Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of pinniped mammal characterized by visible external ear flaps (pinnae) and the ability to use its hind flippers for locomotion on land. It is distinguished from true seals (phocids) by these features and is valued commercially for its soft underfur.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The eared seal hauled itself onto the rocky shore using its strong front flippers.
  • Unlike the common seal, an eared seal has small, visible external ears.
  • Fur seals and sea lions are both members of the eared seal family, Otariidae.

Advanced Usage

• "eared seal rookery": A breeding colony or gathering place for eared seals.
  • Scientists visited the remote island to study the massive eared seal rookery.
• "eared seal population": Refers to the total number of these animals in a specific area.
  • Conservation efforts have helped stabilize the local eared seal population.

Variants and Related Words

• Otariid (n): The scientific family name for eared seals (Otariidae).
  • The otariid is more agile on land than its phocid cousins.
• Fur seal (n): A specific type of eared seal hunted historically for its dense underfur.
• Sea lion (n): A specific type of eared seal known for its intelligence and ability to "walk" on land.

Synonyms

• Otariid (n): The technical term for an eared seal.
• Walking seal (n, informal): A colloquial name highlighting its terrestrial locomotion.

Related Phrases

• "to flipper-walk": The characteristic movement of eared seals on land, using their hind flippers.
  • The sea lion can flipper-walk surprisingly quickly across the dock.

Related Idioms

(This specific zoological term does not commonly feature in idiomatic expressions.)

Noun

1. pinniped mammal having external ear flaps and hind limbs used for locomotion on land; valued for its soft underfur