seal

/si:l/

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The word "seal" can have several meanings and uses in English. Let’s break it down in a simple way.

Part of Speech

1. Noun: This means it is a name for a person, place, thing, or idea.
2. Verb: This means it is an action word, showing what someone does.

Meanings and Examples:

1. Marine Mammal:

   • Definition: A seal is a type of animal that lives in the ocean. They are known for their playful behavior and often come onto land to rest or breed.
   • Example: "We saw a seal sunbathing on the rocks at the beach."

2. Fastener:

   • Definition: A seal can also refer to a device used to close something tightly, so nothing leaks out.
   • Example: "Make sure the seal on the jar is tight, or the food will spoil."

3. Stamp or Mark:

   • Definition: A seal can be a stamp placed on a document to show it is official or authentic.
   • Example: "The letter was sent with the royal seal to show it was important."

4. Approval Indication:

   • Definition: A seal can indicate that something has been approved or is of high quality.
   • Example: "The product had a seal of approval from the organization."

5. Special Forces Member:

   • Definition: In the military, a "Navy SEAL" refers to a member of a special forces unit trained for various types of warfare.
   • Example: "The Navy SEALs are known for their bravery and training."

Advanced Usage:

• The word "seal" can also be used in expressions like "seal the deal," which means to finalize an agreement.

Word Variants:

• Sealing (noun): The process of closing or securing something.
• Sealed (adjective): Describes something that has been closed or secured.
• Sealant (noun): A substance used to block the passage of fluids through surfaces or joints.

Synonyms:

• For the noun: "marine mammal" (for animal), "stamp" (for mark), "closure" (for fastener).
• For the verb: "close," "secure," "fasten."

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• Seal the deal: To make a final agreement.
• Seal one's fate: To make a decision that leads to a certain outcome.

Summary:

"Seal" can refer to a playful ocean animal, a way to close something tightly, a mark of authenticity, or even a member of a special military unit. As a verb, it means to close something securely or to mark something as official.

Academic

Noun

1. any of numerous marine mammals that come on shore to breed; chiefly of cold regions
2. fastener that provides a tight and perfect closure
3. a finishing coat applied to exclude moisture
4. an indication of approved or superior status
5. a stamp affixed to a document (as to attest to its authenticity or to seal it)
   • the warrant bore the sheriff's seal
6. a member of a Naval Special Warfare unit who is trained for unconventional warfare
   • SEAL is an acronym for Sea Air and Land
7. the pelt or fur (especially the underfur) of a seal
   • a coat of seal
8. a device incised to make an impression; used to secure a closing or to authenticate documents
9. fastener consisting of a resinous composition that is plastic when warm; used for sealing documents and parcels and letters

Verb

1. hunt seals
2. cover with varnish
3. affix a seal to
   • seal the letter
4. decide irrevocably
   • sealing dooms
5. close with or as if with a seal
   • She sealed the letter with hot wax
6. make tight; secure against leakage
   • seal the windows

Synonyms

• cachet
• seal of approval
• Navy SEAL
• SEAL
• sealskin
• stamp
• sealing wax
• varnish
• seal off