pinniped

[ pin-uh-ped ]

adjective

1. belonging to the Pinnipedia, a suborder of carnivores with limbs adapted to an aquatic life, including the seals and walruses.

noun

1. a pinniped animal.

pinniped

/ ˌpɪnɪˈpiːdɪən; ˈpɪnɪˌpɛd /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or belonging to the Pinnipedia, an order of aquatic placental mammals having a streamlined body and limbs specialized as flippers: includes seals, sea lions, and the walrus

noun

1. any pinniped animal

pinniped

/ pĭn′ə-pĕd′ /

1. Any of various carnivorous, aquatic mammals of the group Pinnipedia, which some believe is a suborder of the Carnivora but others consider a separate mammalian order. Pinnipeds have long, smooth bodies and finlike flippers for swimming. Seals and walruses are pinnipeds.

Other Words From

• pin·ni·pe·di·an [pin-, uh, -, pee, -dee-, uh, n], adjective noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of pinniped¹

From the New Latin word Pinnipedia, dating back to 1835–45. See pinna, -i-, -ped, -ia

Word History and Origins

Origin of pinniped¹

C19: from New Latin pinnipēs, from Latin pinna feather, fin + pēs foot

Example Sentences

This is especially important when seabirds and pinnipeds are caring for their young, which is why beach camping is not allowed on Santa Rosa from January through mid-August.

From Outside Online