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eared seal

eared seal

5.2
A sea mammal with visible ear flaps that walks on land, like sea lions and fur seals
  • noun
  • /ˈɪrd siːl/
translation icon : foca orejuda
  • The eared seal is easily recognized by its visible external ears and agile movement on land.

Examples

  • Conservationists are working to protect the habitat of the endangered eared seal.

  • Many species of eared seal are found along the coasts of the Pacific Ocean.

  • The eared seal basked on the rocky shore.

  • I saw several eared seals at the marine park.

  • The eared seal is easily recognized by its external ear flaps and its ability to walk on land.

  • Conservationists are working to protect the habitat of the endangered eared seal.

  • Many species of eared seal are found along the coasts of the Pacific Ocean.

Synonyms

Otariidae
vseared seal
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of sea animals like sea lions and fur seals with visible ear flaps that walk on land

describes general features focusing on external ears walking hind limbs and soft underfur

Surface Forms

eared seal singular
eared seals plural

Morphology

eared + seal

The meaning 'a seal with external ears' is directly and transparently derived from combining 'eared' (bearing ears) with 'seal' (a marine mammal). This simple adjective+noun composition follows standard English rules and would be readily understandable to a B1 learner who knows both constituents.

Etymology

Eared seal gets its name from the animal's small outside ears. The word eared points to those visible ear flaps and seal names the animal, and because these animals (sea lions and fur seals) can 'walk on land' with their back legs, the name helps people tell them from earless seals.