Pronunciation: [sˈiːlz] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "seals" follows the pattern of the vowel sound /i:/, represented by the letter combination "ea." The IPA phonetic transcription for this word is /si:ls/. The first sound /s/ is an unvoiced consonant sound, followed by the long /i:/ vowel sound represented by the letter "ea." Finally, the word ends with the unvoiced /s/ sound again. So, the correct spelling of this word is "seals," not "seels" or "seles."
Seals, noun (plural):
1. Marine Mammals: Seals refer to a diverse group of marine mammals that are part of the order Pinnipedia. They are characterized by their streamlined bodies, flippers for limbs, and their ability to live both on land and in water. Seals are typically found in various habitats worldwide, including polar, temperate, and tropical regions. They have sleek, blubber-covered bodies that are adapted for swimming and diving. Seals are skilled hunters, feeding primarily on fish, squid, and crustaceans. They are known for their playful nature and often congregate in large groups called colonies or rookeries.
2. Devices for Closure: Seals also refer to devices used for closure or fastening purposes. They are typically made of materials like rubber, plastic, or metal and are designed to prevent the passage of fluids, gases, or contaminants. Seals are commonly used in various fields and applications, such as in plumbing, mechanics, manufacturing, and packaging. They ensure tightness and prevent leaks or contamination, maintaining the integrity of a system or container. Examples of seals include O-rings, gaskets, piston rings, and closures on jars or bottles.
In summary, seals can refer to marine mammals belonging to the order Pinnipedia, known for their agility in water and on land, or to closure devices used for preventing the passage of fluids or contaminants.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "seals" has an interesting etymology. It originated from the Old English word "seolh", which was derived from the Proto-Germanic word "selkhaz". This Proto-Germanic term was further derived from the Proto-Indo-European root word "*selk-", meaning "to pull or move".
Over time, the word "seolh" transformed into "seal" in Middle English, and its meaning expanded to include the aquatic mammal we know today. This expansion possibly arose from the belief that seals "pulled" or moved like marine creatures in the water. The word has remained relatively unchanged since then, reflecting the continued usage and recognition of seals as marine animals.
