Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of seal lacking external ear flaps: An earless seal is a marine mammal belonging to the family Phocidae, characterized by the absence of visible external ear pinnae.
   • A seal with a stiff, hairlike coat and hind limbs adapted into swimming flippers: It refers to seals that have a coarse fur coat and whose rear limbs are fully integrated into a streamlined body, serving as primary swimming propulsion.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The harbor seal is a common example of an earless seal found in coastal waters.
  • Unlike sea lions, earless seals must drag themselves on land using their front flippers.

Advanced Usage

• In scientific classification: The term is used to distinguish members of the family Phocidae from the eared seals (Otariidae) within the group Pinnipedia.
  • The study focused on the migratory patterns of earless seals in the Antarctic.

Variants and Related Words

• True seal: A common synonym for "earless seal."
• Phocid: The scientific/adjectival form relating to earless seals.
  • Phocid seals have different skeletal structures compared to otariids.

Synonyms

• True seal
• Hair seal (in some contexts, though this can refer to specific species)

Related Phrases

• Bearded seal: A specific type of earless seal ().
• Elephant seal: The largest species of earless seal.

Noun

1. any of several seals lacking external ear flaps and having a stiff hairlike coat with hind limbs reduced to swimming flippers