seal1

 
Pronunciation: /siːl/

noun

  • 1a device or substance that is used to join two things together so as to prevent them coming apart or to prevent anything passing between them: attach a draught seal to the door itself
  • [in singular] the state or fact of being joined or rendered impervious with a seal: many fittings have tapered threads for a better seal
  • the water standing in the trap of a drain to prevent foul air from rising, considered in terms of its depth: for most domestic applications, a 75 mm seal is required
  • 2a piece of wax, lead, or other material with an individual design stamped into it, attached to a document as a guarantee of authenticity.
  • a design resembling a seal embossed in paper as a guarantee of authenticity.
  • an engraved device used for stamping a seal.
  • a decorative adhesive stamp.
  • 3a thing regarded as a confirmation or guarantee of something: the monarchy is the seal of the unbroached integrity of the Isles
  • 4 (the seal) (also the seal of confession or the seal of the confessional) the obligation on a priest not to divulge anything said during confession: I was told under the seal

verb

[with object]
  • 1fasten or close securely: he folded it, sealed the envelope, and walked to the postbox
  • (seal something in) prevent something from escaping by closing a container or opening: ice formation at the surface can seal in water contained within pores in the rock
  • (seal something off) isolate an area by preventing or monitoring access to and from it: anti-terrorist squad officers sealed off the area to search for possible bombs
  • 2apply a non-porous coating to (a surface) to make it impervious: the pine boarding should be sealed with polyurethane
  • 3fry (food) briefly at a high temperature to prevent it from losing moisture during subsequent cooking: heat the oil and seal the lamb on both sides
  • 4conclude, establish, or secure (something) definitively: to seal the deal he offered Thornton a place on the board of the company
  • 5fix a piece of wax or lead stamped with a design to (a document) to authenticate it.

Phrases

my (or his etc.) lips are sealed

used to convey that one will not discuss or reveal something: I could say more, but my lips are sealed

put (or set) the seal on

finally confirm or conclude; give final authorization to: the UN envoy hopes to set the seal on a lasting peace

seal someone's fate

see fate.

set (or put) one's seal to (or on)

mark with one’s distinctive character: it was the Stewart dynasty which most markedly set its seal on the place

Derivatives

sealable

adjective

Origin:

Middle English (in seal1 (sense 2 of the noun)): from Old French seel (noun), seeler (verb), from Latin sigillum 'small picture', diminutive of signum 'a sign'