earless seal
C1technical, scientific, zoological
Definition
Meaning
A marine mammal of the family Phocidae, lacking external ear flaps, with hind flippers adapted for swimming rather than walking on land.
A term used to distinguish true seals (phocids) from eared seals (otariids) like sea lions and fur seals. Sometimes used figuratively to describe someone who is impervious to advice or criticism.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
This is a technical zoological term, not a common animal name in everyday speech. The common name is simply 'seal' or 'true seal'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The term is equally technical in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral, scientific descriptor.
Frequency
Very low frequency in general language; used almost exclusively in zoological or wildlife contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The [species name] is an earless seal.Earless seals [verb]...Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in biology, zoology, and marine science texts to classify pinnipeds.
Everyday
Rarely used; 'seal' is the common term.
Technical
The standard term for species in the family Phocidae in taxonomic and ecological writing.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- The earless seal population is recovering.
- It's a typical earless seal characteristic.
American English
- The earless seal population is rebounding.
- It's a classic earless seal trait.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- We saw a seal. It was an earless seal.
- The common seal is a type of earless seal found in UK waters.
- The taxonomic distinction between earless seals (Phocidae) and eared seals (Otariidae) is based on significant anatomical and behavioural differences.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a seal putting its flippers over where its ears should be, saying 'I'm EAR-LESS!' to distinguish itself from a sea lion.
Conceptual Metaphor
BEING UNAWARE IS BEING EARLESS (figurative extension).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- The Russian term 'тюлень' typically covers both earless and eared seals. Using 'earless seal' when specificity is not needed sounds overly technical.
- Direct translation 'безухий тюлень' is a calque and not standard Russian terminology; use 'настоящий тюлень' or 'тюлень'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'earless seal' in casual conversation about seals at the zoo.
- Confusing 'earless seal' with 'walrus' (which is in a different family, Odobenidae).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary defining anatomical feature of an earless seal?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, a common or harbour seal is a species *within* the earless seal family (Phocidae). 'Earless seal' is the family name.
Yes. They lack external ear flaps, but have fully functional internal ears adapted for hearing both in air and underwater.
An eared seal (otariid), such as a sea lion or fur seal, which has small external ear flaps.
Use it primarily in scientific or educational contexts where precision is needed to distinguish between the two main seal families. In everyday talk, just say 'seal'.