elephant seal

[ el-uh-fuhnt seel ]

noun

1. either of two large earless seals of the genus Mirounga, specifically M. angustirostris northern elephant seal of the Pacific coast of North America and M. leonina southern elephant seal of the Southern Ocean and South Atlantic Ocean, both species noted for a curved proboscis resembling an elephant's trunk: the largest living carnivorans, weighing up to 11,000 pounds (5,000 kilograms).

elephant seal

noun

1. either of two large earless seals, Mirounga leonina of southern oceans or M. angustirostris of the N Atlantic, the males of which have a long trunklike snout

Word History and Origins

Origin of elephant seal¹

First recorded in 1835–45

Example Sentences

A whale-watching tour got the photo opportunity of a lifetime when they spotted a rare white shark feeding from an elephant seal about 30 miles west of Santa Barbara.

From Los Angeles Times

The organization rescues and rehabilitates sea lions and elephant seal pups.

From Los Angeles Times

Some marine mammals have been hit particularly hard, with mass mortality events reported in elephant seals and sea lions.

From Salon

Tests for bird flu — which has obliterated populations of sea lions and elephant seals in South America — are being processed.

From Los Angeles Times

It has also jumped to mammals, and is responsible for killing at least 48 different species, including elephant seals, dolphins and sea lions.

From Los Angeles Times