Definition

Noun: 1. A medium-sized seal (Cystophora cristata) characterized by its blackish-grey color and, in adult males, a large inflatable sac on the head. It is native to the Arctic and northern Atlantic waters. This sac is used for display and to produce loud roars, especially during the breeding season. The common name "bladdernose" refers directly to this distinctive nasal feature.

Usage and Examples

• The bladdernose is also commonly known as the hooded seal.
• Researchers observed a male bladdernose inflating the sac on its head as a territorial display.
• The bladdernose population is affected by changes in Arctic sea ice.

Advanced Usage and Notes

• The term bladdernose is a compound noun that serves as a common name for the species . It is primarily used in zoological and wildlife contexts.
• The defining physical trait—the inflatable "bladder" on the nose—is unique to mature males. Females and young seals do not possess this feature, but they are still members of the same species referred to as bladdernose.

Variants and Related Words

• Hooded seal: The more frequently used common name for the same species (). "Bladdernose" is a more descriptive alternate name.
• Cystophora cristata: The scientific (Latin) name for the species.

Synonyms

• Hooded seal

Related Terms (Contextual)

• Pinniped: The biological order that includes seals, sea lions, and walruses. The bladdernose is a pinniped.
• Proboscis: While not a direct synonym, this term refers to a long, flexible nose or snout. The bladdernose's sac is an inflatable nasal structure.

Noun

1. medium-sized blackish-grey seal with large inflatable sac on the head; of Arctic and northern Atlantic waters