Definition

Noun: * A silvery-grey Antarctic seal (Lobodon carcinophagus) that primarily subsists on crustaceans, especially Antarctic krill. Despite its name, it does not eat crabs.

Usage

The term "crabeater seal" is used specifically to refer to this distinct species of seal native to the Antarctic pack ice. It is a standard zoological term. * Scientists are studying the population dynamics of the crabeater seal. * The crabeater seal is the most abundant seal species in the world.

Advanced Usage

• The name "crabeater" is considered a misnomer, as its diet consists almost exclusively of Antarctic krill, not crabs. This is often noted in scientific and educational contexts.
  • Although called a crabeater seal, its primary food source is actually krill.

Variants and Related Words

• Crabeater (noun): Can be used as a shortened, informal form, though "crabeater seal" is more precise.
  • We observed a group of crabeaters on the ice floe.
• Lobodon carcinophagus (noun): The scientific (Latin) name for the species.

Synonyms

• Antarctic seal: A general descriptive term, though it refers to other species as well.
• Krill seal: A more accurate descriptive name based on its diet, though not a standard common name.

Different Meanings

The term "crabeater seal" has only one specific meaning in modern English: it refers to the Antarctic seal species Lobodon carcinophagus. It is not used idiomatically.

Noun

1. silvery grey Antarctic seal subsisting on crustaceans