seal
seal Lexical Profile
seal Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A fish-eating aquatic marine mammal with a streamlined body and flippers, primarily native to cold coastal waters.
"We watched a playful seal swim effortlessly through the icy waters of the bay."
A device or substance used to join two things together to prevent fluid, gas, or air from escaping.
"The mechanic replaced the rubber seal around the window to stop the water leak."
A piece of wax, lead, or other material with an individual design stamped into it, attached to a document or envelope to authenticate it or guarantee it remains unopened.
"The ancient scroll was rolled tightly and secured with the king's royal seal."
• verb
To close or fasten tightly to prevent anything from passing in or out.
"She carefully sealed the envelope before dropping it into the mail slot."
To guarantee, secure, or finalize an agreement or decision irrevocably.
"The two executives shook hands to seal the lucrative business deal."
To coat a surface with a protective substance to prevent moisture or dirt from penetrating.
"You should seal the wooden deck before winter to protect it from the snow and rain."
• Rhymes for seal
Word Origin & Etymology
The word has two completely distinct origins. The marine mammal derives from Old English 'seolh', tracing back to Proto-Germanic 'selhaz'. The noun meaning 'emblem' or 'closure' derives from Old French 'seel', which comes from Latin 'sigillum' (little sign).
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.