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| seal [ seel ] |
noun (plural seals) |
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| Definition: |
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1. tight or perfect closure: a tight closure that prevents the entrance or escape of, e.g. air or water, or a substance or device that forms such a closure
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2. special closure that reveals tampering: a closure for a package or container that must be broken when the package or container is opened and can therefore reveal tampering
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3. authenticating stamp: a ring or stamp with a raised or engraved symbol or emblem that is pressed into wax in order to certify a signature or authenticate a document
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4. wax marked with seal: a piece of wax bearing the mark of a seal
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5. symbol of office: a device, emblem, or symbol that is a mark of office
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6. ornamental adhesive stamp: an ornamental adhesive stamp used to close a letter or package
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7. something giving confirmation: something that gives confirmation or assurance
  Mother gave our plans for the party her seal of approval.
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transitive verb (past and past participle sealed, present participle seal·ing, 3rd person present singular seals) |
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| Definition: |
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1. close something firmly: to close something tightly or securely with a seal
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2. make something watertight or airtight: to make something watertight, airtight, or nonporous, e.g. by filling gaps or applying a coating
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3. attach authenticating seal to something: to affix a marked piece of wax to something in order to authenticate or certify it
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4. confirm something: to confirm a decision or come to an agreement on something
seal a contract
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5. settle something: to determine something irrevocably
His fate was sealed when his lies were discovered.
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6. solemnize marriage or adoption: in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, to solemnize a marriage or adoption
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| [12th century. Via Anglo-Norman< Latin sigillum "little mark" < signum "sign, token"] |
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| seal·a·ble adjective |
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set the seal on something
1. to be the thing that ensures that something happens or that completes and perfects something
2. to give final approval or authorization for something
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set your seal on something to have a decisive influence on the character of something
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