pinniped
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈpɪnɪˌpɛd/
KK: /ˈpɪnɪˌpɛd/
adjective
Definition
Relating to a group of marine mammals that includes seals and walruses, which have flippers for swimming.
Example
The pinniped species are often found in cold ocean waters.
Conversation
Did you know that some animals are classified as pinniped?
Really? What does that mean exactly?
It refers to animals like seals and walruses that have flippers.
Oh, that's cool! I love watching pinniped species at the aquarium.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
aquatic
marine
carnivorous
Antonyms
terrestrial
land
nonmarine
noun
Definition
A type of marine mammal that includes seals, sea lions, and walruses, characterized by their flippers and ability to live both in water and on land.
Example
The pinniped swam gracefully through the ocean, using its flippers to navigate.
Conversation
Did you know that a pinniped is a type of marine mammal?
Really? I thought they were just seals and sea lions!
Yeah, they're all part of the pinniped group which includes walruses too.
Root Explanation
Pinniped → It is formed from "pinna" (from Latin, meaning fin or wing) and "ped" (from Latin "pes", meaning foot). The word "pinniped" refers to animals that have flippers or fin-like feet, such as seals and sea lions.
Memory Tip
Think of animals with 'fin-like feet' — 'pinna' means fin, and 'ped' means foot, which helps you remember that pinnipeds are creatures like seals that have flippers.
Visually Confused Words
pennied