How Do You Spell SEA ELEPHANT?

Pronunciation: [sˈiː ˈɛlɪfənt] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "sea elephant" can be explained through its IPA phonetic transcription. The sound /si/ is made by the letter combination "s-e-a", which is followed by the /el/ sound represented by the letters "e-l-e-p-h-a". Finally, the word ends with the /nt/ sound spelled "n-t". The pronunciation of the word is /si ˈɛl.ə.fənt/. The term "sea elephant" is commonly used to describe the Elephant Seal, which is a large marine mammal found in the Antarctic and sub-Antarctic waters.

SEA ELEPHANT Meaning and Definition

1. Sea elephant refers to a species of large marine mammal, scientifically known as Mirounga, primarily found in the southern hemisphere. Also commonly referred to as elephant seals, they belong to the Phocidae family and are characterized by their massive size, hence the comparison to elephants. An adult male sea elephant can grow to an average length of 14-16 feet and weigh up to 6,600 pounds, making them the largest members of the seal family.

   These marine creatures are known for their distinguishable trunk-like snout, which earns them their name, resembling the trunk of an elephant. They have a thick layer of blubber that provides insulation and aids in buoyancy, facilitating their survival in icy and cold waters. Their body structure is streamlined, enabling them to swim skillfully and for long distances.

   Sea elephants are remarkable divers, with the ability to plunge several thousand feet below the ocean's surface in search of food, primarily fish, squid, and crustaceans. Males often engage in fierce battles during mating seasons, using their size and weight to establish dominance over rivals and secure their place in harems. The females, comparatively smaller than males, give birth on land and tend to their young until they are weaned.

   Due to extensive hunting in the past, the sea elephant population drastically declined, leading to their categorization as an endangered species. Conservation efforts have seen a substantial increase in their numbers in recent times, and they are now protected under various national and international laws to ensure their continued survival and preservation of their natural habitats.

2. A large seal having a proboscis somewhat like an elephant.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for SEA ELEPHANT

• aea elephant
• zea elephant
• xea elephant
• dea elephant
• eea elephant
• wea elephant
• swa elephant
• ssa elephant
• sda elephant
• sra elephant
• s4a elephant
• s3a elephant
• sez elephant
• ses elephant
• sew elephant
• seq elephant
• sea wlephant
• sea slephant
• sea dlephant

Etymology of SEA ELEPHANT

The term "sea elephant" is derived from two words: "sea" and "elephant".

The word "sea" has its origins in Old English, where it was spelled as "sǣ". It is believed to have been borrowed from the Germanic language family, possibly from Old Norse "sær" or Proto-Germanic "*saiwaz".

The word "elephant" comes from Latin, which originated from the Greek word "elephas". "Elephas" itself may have been influenced by the Phoenician word "eleph" or the Hebrew word "eleph", both meaning "elephant". The word "elephant" was eventually brought into English through French as "elephant".

When combined, the words "sea" and "elephant" form the term "sea elephant", which refers to the elephant seal, a large marine mammal found in the oceans.