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Glite Dictionary
Cystophora

Cystophora

9.9
A North Atlantic seal whose adult males can blow up a bag on their nose
  • noun
  • /sɪstəˈfɔrə/
  • Specialized
translation icon : Cystophora
  • The Cystophora is notable for the males' inflatable nasal sac, which they use during mating displays.

Examples

  • Scientists are studying the migration habits of Cystophora in the North Atlantic Ocean.

  • A young Cystophora was rescued after becoming stranded on the shore.

  • The Cystophora is known for its distinctive nasal sac.

  • Did you know that the Cystophora can dive deep underwater?

  • Scientists are studying the migration habits of Cystophora in the North Atlantic Ocean.

  • The Cystophora is notable for the males' inflatable nasal sac, which they use during mating displays.

  • Did you know that the Cystophora can dive deep underwater?

Compounds

Cystophora cristata
  • Specialized
9.9

A medium-sized grey seal with a large air sac on its head that lives in Arctic seas

Surface Forms

Cystophora singular
Cystophora plural

Etymology

Cystophora comes from Greek parts cysto- meaning 'sac', like the English word cyst, and -phora meaning 'bearing' or 'carrying'. So it literally means 'sac-bearer', a helpful image for these seals because the males have an inflatable nasal sac they use to show off during mating.