seal 1 (s l)n.1. a. A die or signet having a raised or incised emblem used to stamp an impression on a receptive substance such as wax or lead. b. The impression so made. c. The design or emblem itself, belonging exclusively to the user: a monarch's seal. d. A small disk or wafer of wax, lead, or paper bearing such an imprint and affixed to a document to prove authenticity or to secure it. 2. Something, such as a commercial hallmark, that authenticates, confirms, or attests. 3. A substance, especially an adhesive agent such as wax or putty, used to close or secure something or to prevent seepage of moisture or air. 4. A device that joins two systems or elements in such a way as to prevent leakage. 5. a. An airtight closure. b. A closure, as on a package, used to prove that the contents have not been tampered with. 6. A small decorative paper sticker. tr.v. sealed, seal·ing, seals 1. To affix a seal to in order to prove authenticity or attest to accuracy, legal weight, quality, or another standard. 2. a. To close with or as if with a seal. b. To close hermetically. c. To make fast or fill up, as with plaster or cement. d. To apply a waterproof coating to: seal a blacktop driveway. 3. To grant, certify, or designate under seal or authority. 4. To establish or determine irrevocably: Our fate was sealed. 5. Mormon Church To make (a marriage, for example) binding for life; solemnize forever. Phrasal Verb: seal off To close tightly or surround with a barricade or cordon: An unused wing of the hospital was sealed off.
[Middle English, from Old French seel, from Vulgar Latin *sigellum, from Latin sigillum, diminutive of signum, sign, seal; see sekw-1 in Indo-European roots.]
seal a·ble adj. |
seal 2 (s l)n.1. Any of various aquatic carnivorous mammals of the families Phocidae and Otariidae, found chiefly in the Northern Hemisphere and having a sleek, torpedo-shaped body and limbs that are modified into paddlelike flippers. 2. The pelt or fur of one of these animals, especially a fur seal. 3. Leather made from the hide of one of these animals. intr.v. sealed, seal·ing, seals To hunt seals.
[Middle English sele, from Old English seolh.] |
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms | Verb | 1. | seal off - make tight; secure against leakage; "seal the windows"close, shut - move so that an opening or passage is obstructed; make shut; "Close the door"; "shut the window" seal - close with or as if with a seal; "She sealed the letter with hot wax" reseal - seal again; "reseal the bottle after using the medicine" waterproof - make watertight; "Waterproof the coat" caulk, calk - seal with caulking; "caulk the window" pack - seal with packing; "pack the faucet" | | 2. | seal off - impose a blockade on |
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