- seal
- sealseal1 [sēl]n.[ME seel < OFr < L sigillum, a seal, mark, dim. of signum: see SIGN]1. a design, initial, or other device placed on a letter, document, etc., as a mark of genuineness or authenticity: letters were, esp. formerly, closed with a wafer of molten wax into which was pressed the distinctive seal of the sender2. a stamp, signet ring, etc., or the signet itself, used in making such a design3. a wax wafer, piece of paper, etc. bearing the impression of some official design and used as to authenticate a signature or document4.a) something that seals, closes, or fastens tightly or securely; specif., a piece of metal, paper, etc. so placed over a lid, cap, etc. that it must be broken before the container can be openedb) a tight closure, as against the passage of air or water5. anything that confirms, authenticates, or guarantees; pledge6. an indication; sign; token [a handshake as a seal of friendship]7.a) any device preventing the passage of gas through a pipeb) the standing water in the trap of a drainpipe☆ 8. an ornamental stamp placed on envelopes, packages, etc. [a Christmas seal]vt.[ME selen < OFr seeler < the n.]1. to mark with a seal; fix a seal to2. to secure the contents of (a letter, envelope, etc.), orig. by closing with a sealed wax wafer, now usually with mucilage, tape, or a gummed flap3. to confirm or authenticate (a document, etc.) by marking with a seal4. to attest to or confirm the truth or genuineness of (a promise, bargain, etc.)5. to certify as being accurate, exact, of a given size, quality, capacity, etc. by fixing a stamp or seal to6. to grant, assign, or designate with a seal, pledge, etc.7. to settle, determine, or decide finally or irrevocably [to seal one's fate]8.a) to close, shut, or fasten with or as with a seal [to seal one's lips]b) to close completely so as to make airtight or watertightc) to apply a nonpermeable coating to (a porous surface, as of wood) as before painting9. Elec. to bring (a plug and jack) into full, interlocking contact☆ 10. Mormon Ch. to solemnize (a marriage) for eternity in a church rite——————seal off1. to close completely2. to enclose or surround (an area, etc.) with barriers, a cordon, etc.——————set one's seal to1. to mark with one's seal2. to endorse; approve——————under one's seal or under sealin a document authenticated by one's sealseal2 [sēl]n.pl. seals or seal [ME sele < OE seolh, akin to OHG selah, prob. < IE base * swelk-, to pull, draw (with reference to the seal's labored movements on land) > L sulcus, furrow]1. any of two families (Otariidae and Phocidae) of sea carnivores with a doglike head, a torpedo-shaped body, and four webbed feet or flippers: they live in cold or temperate waters and usually eat fish: see EARED SEAL, EARLESS SEAL2.a) the fur of a fur sealb) a similar fur used as a substitute for this3. leather made from sealskinvi.to hunt seals
English World dictionary. V. Neufeldt. 2014.