Main Entry:

¹seal

Pronunciation:

\ˈsēl\

Function:

noun

Inflected Form(s):

plural seals also seal

Etymology:

Middle English sele, from Old English seolh; akin to Old High German selah seal

Date:

before 12th century

1: any of numerous carnivorous marine mammals (families Phocidae and Otariidae) that live chiefly in cold regions and have limbs modified into webbed flippers adapted primarily to swimming ; especially : a fur seal or hair seal as opposed to a sea lion2 a: the pelt of a fur seal b: leather made from the skin of a seal3: a dark brown