1a device or substance that is used to join two things together so as to prevent them coming apart or to prevent anything passing between them:attach a draught seal to the door itself
[in singular] the state or fact of being joined or rendered impervious with a seal:many fittings have tapered threads for a better seal
the water standing in the trap of a drain to prevent foul air from rising, considered in terms of its depth:for most domestic applications, a 75 mm seal is required
2a piece of wax, lead, or other material with an individual design stamped into it, attached to a document as a guarantee of authenticity.
a design resembling a seal embossed in paper as a guarantee of authenticity.
an engraved device used for stamping a seal.
a decorative adhesive stamp.
3a thing regarded as a confirmation or guarantee of something:the monarchy is the seal of the unbroached integrity of the Isles
4 (the seal) (also the seal of confession or the seal of the confessional) the obligation on a priest not to divulge anything said during confession:I was told under the seal
ზმნა
Universal
1fasten or close securely:he folded it, sealed the envelope, and walked to the postbox
(seal something in) prevent something from escaping by closing a container or opening:ice formation at the surface can seal in water contained within pores in the rock
(seal something off) isolate an area by preventing or monitoring access to and from it:anti-terrorist squad officers sealed off the area to search for possible bombs
2apply a non-porous coating to (a surface) to make it impervious:the pine boarding should be sealed with polyurethane
3fry (food) briefly at a high temperature to prevent it from losing moisture during subsequent cooking:heat the oil and seal the lamb on both sides
4conclude, establish, or secure (something) definitively:to seal the deal he offered Thornton a place on the board of the company
5fix a piece of wax or lead stamped with a design to (a document) to authenticate it.
my (or his etc.) lips are sealed
used to convey that one will not discuss or reveal something:I could say more, but my lips are sealed
put (or set) the seal on
finally confirm or conclude; give final authorization to:the UN envoy hopes to set the seal on a lasting peace
