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Glite Dictionary
Pinnipedia

Pinnipedia

9.8
A group of sea mammals with fin-like feet, such as seals, sea lions and walruses
  • noun
  • /ˌpɪnɪˈpiːdiə/
  • Specialized
: Pinnípedos
  • The Pinnipedia include animals that are well adapted to marine life, such as seals and walruses.

Examples

  • The Pinnipedia family includes seals and sea lions.

  • Marine biologists study Pinnipedia to understand how these mammals evolved from land ancestors.

  • All members of the Pinnipedia have streamlined bodies suited for swimming and diving.

  • Many Pinnipedia species are found in cold waters.

  • All members of the Pinnipedia have streamlined bodies suited for swimming and diving.

  • Marine biologists study Pinnipedia to understand how these mammals evolved from land ancestors.

  • The Pinnipedia include animals that are well adapted to marine life, such as seals and walruses.

Synonyms

pinniped
vsPinnipedia
  • Specialized
1 8.6

A water mammal with flippers like a seal or walrus

refers to the whole group of such marine mammals rather than one individual

Surface Forms

Pinnipedia singular
Pinnipedias plural

Morphology

Pinnipedia = pinni + pedia

The word is derived from Latin roots 'pinni' (fin) and 'pedia' (foot), but these are not productive English morphemes, making the term opaque for learners.

Etymology

The word Pinnipedia comes from Latin parts meaning 'fin' and 'foot': pinna 'fin' and pes 'foot'. So Pinnipedia literally means 'fin-footed' animals, which is why it refers to seals, sea lions, and walruses, and the 'foot' part is the same idea as in pedal.