phocine

[ foh-sahyn, -sin ]

adjective

, Zoology.

1. of or relating to seals.

phocine

/ ˈfəʊsaɪn /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or resembling a seal
2. of, relating to, or belonging to the Phocinae, a subfamily that includes the harbour seal and grey seal

Word History and Origins

Origin of phocine¹

1840–50; < Latin phōc ( a ) seal (< Greek phṓkē ) + -ine ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of phocine¹

C19: ultimately from Greek phōkē a seal