Phocidae

plural noun

Pho·​ci·​dae

-səˌdē

: a family of mammals (suborder Pinnipedia) comprising the hair seals and lacking external ears

phociform

-səˌfȯrm

adjective

phocoid

ˈfōˌkȯid

adjective or noun

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Phoca, type genus + -idae

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!