Definition

1. Noun:
   • A small spotted seal of coastal waters of the northern hemisphere: The "common seal" is a species of marine mammal, also known as the harbor seal. It is characterized by its relatively small size, spotted coat, and habitat in coastal regions.

Usage

• The term "common seal" is used specifically in zoology and wildlife contexts to refer to this particular species (). It is a countable noun.
• Example: "We observed a common seal basking on the rocky shore during our coastal survey."

Advanced Usage

• In scientific classification: The term is used to distinguish this widespread species from other seals like the grey seal or elephant seal.
  • Example: "The common seal is one of the most frequently studied pinniped species due to its accessible coastal habitat."

Variants and Related Words

• Harbor seal (US) / Harbour seal (UK): This is the most common alternative name for the same species.
  • Example: "In American English, it is typically called a harbor seal."
• Phoca vitulina: The scientific (Latin) name for the species.

Synonyms

• Harbor seal: The primary synonym.
• Spotted seal: A descriptive synonym referencing its coat pattern. (Note: "Spotted seal" can also refer to a different species, , in some contexts, creating potential ambiguity.)

Related Phrases

• Seal colony: A group of seals, which may include common seals.
  • Example: "The common seal colony was protected by the new marine reserve."

Noun

1. small spotted seal of coastal waters of the northern hemisphere