seal
seal — noun
1. a large grey sea mammal that has smooth skin, short fur, and flat limbs called f
a large grey sea mammal that has smooth skin, short fur, and flat limbs called flippers that help it swim, and that lives in water but hauls itself up onto beaches or sheets of frozen sea to rest
A seal popped its head above the water near the fishing boat.
Léa watched a seal sunbathing on a rocky beach during her trip.
collocation: a seal sunbathing / a seal on the beach
Zookeepers fed the seal a bucket of fresh fish at noon.
A baby seal lay sleeping on the ice while its mother swam nearby.
The grey seal is one of the most common species around the British coast.
用法筆記
Frequently used with species names: 'grey seal', 'harbour seal', 'elephant seal'. The young are called 'pups'.
常見錯誤
2. a ring or strip made of rubber, plastic, or metal that fits between two surfaces
a ring or strip made of rubber, plastic, or metal that fits between two surfaces where pipes or openings meet, preventing the movement of liquid or gas from one side to the other
The plumber replaced the rubber seal around the kitchen tap.
collocation: rubber seal
A broken seal on the freezer door caused ice to build up inside.
Kwame checked the seal on the pressure cooker before turning on the heat.
Without a proper seal around the lid, steam would escape from the pot.
用法筆記
Commonly used in the context of plumbing, cooking, and vehicle parts ('door seal', 'window seal'). The material (rubber, silicone, metal) is usually specified.
3. a thin sheet of paper, plastic, or metal fitted across the mouth of a bottle, ja
a thin sheet of paper, plastic, or metal fitted across the mouth of a bottle, jar, or box, designed to be torn or cut away before you can take out what is inside, and serving as evidence that the item has not been used or tampered with
Sahil broke the plastic seal and opened the bottle of mineral water.
collocation: break the seal
The safety seal on the medicine bottle was still intact when it arrived.
collocation: safety seal
Allison checked the seal on the milk carton before putting it in her basket.
If the foil seal underneath the cap is broken, do not buy the product.
Each jam jar has a wax seal on top to keep the fruit fresh inside.
用法筆記
Often called 'safety seal' or 'tamper-evident seal'. Found on food containers, medicine bottles, and drink bottles. The seal is designed so that it cannot be removed without leaving visible damage.
常見錯誤
4. an official design or stamp pressed onto a document, sometimes using wax or ink,
an official design or stamp pressed onto a document, sometimes using wax or ink, to prove that it is authentic, legal, or approved by an authority
The contract had a red wax seal from the mayor's office.
collocation: wax seal
Feng stamped the company seal at the bottom of the agreement page.
Diplomas carry the official seal of the university.
The letter bore the presidential seal and was delivered by hand.
Without the notary's seal, the document is not legally binding.
用法筆記
Frequently used with 'wax seal' (a traditional method using melted wax) or 'company seal' (a rubber stamp that imprints a logo or name). The phrase 'under seal' means a document has been formally authenticated.
常見錯誤
5. a soldier belonging to a specially trained US Navy unit whose members carry out
a soldier belonging to a specially trained US Navy unit whose members carry out dangerous missions across oceans, skies, and battlefields; 'SEAL' is an acronym whose letters stand for operations on the Sea, in the Air, and on Land
Linh's cousin trained for two years to become a Navy SEAL.
collocation: become a Navy SEAL
A Navy SEAL team rescued the hostages during the night.
collocation: Navy SEAL team
Rodrigo read a book about the history of the Navy SEALs.
The Navy SEALs practise underwater missions in freezing conditions.
- special forces soldier
a general term for an elite soldier, not specific to the US Navy
- commando
a soldier trained for quick, surprise attacks; more general than Navy SEAL
用法筆記
Always capitalised as 'Navy SEAL' or 'SEAL'. Refers to a specific US military unit (Naval Special Warfare Development Group). In other countries, similar units have different names.
常見錯誤
seal — verb
1. to close an opening, container, or entrance so firmly that nothing — not even ai
to close an opening, container, or entrance so firmly that nothing — not even air or liquid — can pass through it
Kwame sealed the plastic box with tape to keep the cake fresh.
pattern: seal + object + with + material
Firefighters sealed the building after a dangerous gas leak was found.
Mira sealed the bag of rice with a rubber band to keep bugs away.
The workers sealed the tunnel entrance with concrete blocks.
Make sure you seal the jar tightly or the jam will go bad quickly.
文法句型
seal + noun phrase + with + noun phrase
seal + noun phrase + shut
用法筆記
Commonly paired with 'tightly', 'shut', or 'with [material]'. The past participle 'sealed' is often used as an adjective: 'a sealed container', 'a sealed envelope'.
常見錯誤
2. to apply a layer of liquid or coating over a surface so that water, air, or phys
to apply a layer of liquid or coating over a surface so that water, air, or physical damage cannot reach it
Otis sealed the wooden deck with a coat of waterproof paint.
pattern: seal + surface + with + substance
Aylin sealed her pottery pieces with a clear glaze before baking them.
The carpenter sealed the tabletop to protect it from water damage.
You should seal the floor tiles after installing them in the bathroom.
文法句型
seal + noun phrase + with + noun phrase
用法筆記
Common in DIY and craft contexts. The material used is usually a 'sealer', 'varnish', 'glaze', or 'waterproof coating'. Often used in the passive: 'The wood has been sealed.'
常見錯誤
3. to press together the sticky edges of an envelope or package so that it stays sh
to press together the sticky edges of an envelope or package so that it stays shut and ready for posting
Sade sealed the envelope and dropped it in the mailbox.
pattern: seal + envelope
Feng licked the flap and sealed the parcel with extra tape.
action sequence: lick flap + seal with tape
James sealed the birthday card and wrote the address on the front.
Before posting the documents, please seal the envelope carefully.
Léa sealed the invitation with a sticker shaped like a flower.
- stick down
informal; pressing an adhesive surface into place, usually on an envelope
- close
more general; does not specify using adhesive edges
文法句型
seal + noun phrase (envelope, letter, parcel)
用法筆記
This sense is specific to postal items. For containers or packages that need airtight closing, use sense 1 ('seal the bag' / 'seal the box'). The opposite action is 'open' or 'tear open'.
常見錯誤
4. to complete a deal, decision, or outcome in a way that makes it definite and off
to complete a deal, decision, or outcome in a way that makes it definite and official
The two companies sealed the agreement with a handshake.
collocation: seal the agreement
Her last-minute goal sealed the victory for the home team.
collocation: seal the victory
Sahil and Allison sealed their partnership by signing the contract.
The judge's final decision sealed the fate of the defendant.
A bottle of champagne was opened to seal the success of the project.
文法句型
seal + noun phrase (agreement, deal, victory, fate)
用法筆記
Common in business ('seal a deal'), sports ('seal the win'), and legal contexts. The figurative use extends the noun sense 4 (official mark) into a verb action: applying a metaphorical seal to confirm something.