phocine

[ foh-sahyn, -sin ]

adjective

, Zoology.

1. of or relating to seals.

phocine

/ ˈfəʊsaɪn /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or resembling a seal
2. of, relating to, or belonging to the Phocinae, a subfamily that includes the harbour seal and grey seal

Word History and Origins

Origin of phocine¹

1840–50; < Latin phōc ( a ) seal (< Greek phṓkē ) + -ine ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of phocine¹

C19: ultimately from Greek phōkē a seal

Example Sentences

Feds attributed those deaths to phocine distemper virus.

From Washington Times

But harp seals seem to be better able to survive phocine distemper, Dr. Goldstein said, and may serve as its reservoir — the ecological niche in which the infection persists.

From New York Times

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said Friday that the main pathogen found in the seals is phocine distemper virus.

From Washington Times

In 2011-2012, an influenza outbreak killed about 780 seals from Maine to Massachusetts, and in 2006-2007 about 1,500 seals from Maine to Virginia died from phocine distemper, according to data from previous mortality reports.

From New York Times

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has said tests indicate dead seals found in New England tested positive for avian flu and phocine distemper.

From Seattle Times