seal etymology

Etymology of "Seal"

The word "seal" derives from the Old English word "seolh," which originally referred to a marine mammal of the pinniped family. The term was later extended to refer to any object or device used for making an impression on a surface.

Meaning of "Seal"

A seal can have several meanings:

  • Animal: A marine mammal of the order Pinnipedia, including seals, sea lions, and walruses.
  • Impression: An imprinted mark made on a surface, typically using wax, clay, or metal.
  • Device: A metal, wooden, or gem item engraved with a design or symbol, used to stamp paper or other materials to authenticate or identify them.
  • Sealant: A substance or material used to close or waterproof a joint, opening, or leak.
  • Signature: A mark made on a document to indicate the authenticity of a person's signature.

Origin of "Seal"

The use of seals for marking and authentication dates back to ancient times. The earliest known seals were used in Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley Civilization around 4000-3000 BCE. These seals were made of stone or clay and featured animal, geometric, or symbolic designs.

Over time, seals became more elaborate and were used for various purposes, such as:

  • Identifying individuals and objects
  • Granting authority to documents
  • Sealing containers and letters
  • Preventing tampering with goods or documents

Today, seals continue to be used for many of the same purposes as they were in ancient times. However, with the advent of modern technology, electronic seals and digital signatures have also become common.

seal relate terms

  • sign

    Etymology The word sign comes from the Latin word signum which means mark token o

  • token

    Etymology The word token originates from the Latin verb tangere meaning to touch

  • ensign

    Etymology Middle French ensine from Late Latin insignia neuter plural of insigni

  • sealant

    Etymology of Sealant Sealant is a compound word derived from two different sources Se

  • seal

    Etymology of Seal The word seal derives from the Old English word seolh which orig

  • stamp

    Etymology The word stamp comes from the Middle English word stampen which means to

  • cachet

    Etymology The word cachet comes from the Old French cache meaning secret or hidden i

  • varnish

    Etymology The word varnish originates from the Old French word verniz which in turn

  • bill

    Etymology The name Bill is derived from the Middle English word Wille which is a dim

  • sigil

    Etymology The word sigil derives from the Latin word sigillum meaning seal small

  • consign

    Etymology Middle English conseyne conseinen from Anglo Norman French consigner Lati

  • placard

    Etymology The word placard comes from the Old French word placart which means a wri

  • shellac

    Etymology Early 17th century originally denoted a gummy substance that forms on certa

  • hunt

    Etymology The word hunt derives from the Proto Indo European root kwen meaning to d