seal
Meaning: A marine mammal; to close something securely; an official mark
The word 'seal' has several meanings: a marine mammal with flippers found in cold waters; a device or substance used to close something tightly; an official stamp or emblem authenticating a document; and as a verb, to close or fasten securely. To seal a deal means to finalize an agreement.
Examples
- We saw seals basking on the rocks by the coast. 我们看到海豹在海岸边的岩石上晒太阳。Vimos focas tomando el sol en las rocas junto a la costa.海岸の岩の上で日光浴をしているアザラシを見ました。해안가 바위 위에서 일광욕하는 물범을 보았습니다.
- Make sure you seal the envelope before posting it. 寄信前确保把信封密封好。Asegúrate de sellar el sobre antes de enviarlo.投函する前に必ず封筒を封印してください。투함하기 전에 반드시 봉투를 밀봉하세요.
- The contract bears the company's official seal. 合同上盖有公司的官方印章。El contrato lleva el sello oficial de la empresa.契約書には会社の公式印章が押されています。계약서에는 회사의 공식 인장이 찍혀 있습니다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: general
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
Two distinct origins: (1) Old French 'seel' meaning 'a seal, stamp', from Latin 'sigillum' (small picture), diminutive of 'signum' (sign); (2) Old English 'seolh' (the marine mammal), from Proto-Germanic 'selkhaz'.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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