Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
Mirounga

Mirounga

9.9
A group of very large sea mammals called elephant seals
  • noun
  • /mɪˈrʌŋɡə/
  • Specialized
translation icon : Mirounga
  • Researchers are studying Mirounga populations to understand the effects of climate change.

Examples

  • Mirounga includes both the northern and southern elephant seals.

  • The largest member of the Mirounga genus can weigh several tons.

  • The Mirounga is a fascinating creature.

  • Many researchers study Mirounga in their natural habitat.

  • The Mirounga is a large marine mammal that can often be seen sunbathing on the beaches of California.

  • In the cold waters of Antarctica, the Mirounga dives deep to hunt for fish and squid.

  • During mating season, the males of the Mirounga species can be heard vocalizing loudly to attract females.

Synonyms

elephant seal
vsMirounga
4 4.2

A very large seal with a nose like an elephant's trunk that lives on beaches

is the scientific genus name for those large seals
sea elephant
vsMirounga
5.7

A very large seal with a long nose that lives in cold oceans

is the scientific genus term rather than the informal name

Surface Forms

Mirounga singular
Miroungas plural

Etymology

Mirounga is the scientific name for elephant seals and is thought to come from an old local or sailor name for these large sea mammals of the southern oceans. A helpful way to remember Mirounga is to link it to the seals' huge size and 'elephant-like' nose, because the name marks this special group of very large seals.