sea bear

== English == === Alternative forms === sea-bear === Noun === sea bear (plural sea bears) (now rare, sometimes puristic) A polar bear (Ursus maritimus). (now rare) Any of a number of pinnipeds, but mostly fur seals, and especially the northern fur seal (Callorhinus ursinus). (obsolete) A sea urchin. ==== Usage notes ==== The first sense is rarely used except in explanations of the polar bear's scientific name. The second sense has been completely replaced by terms such as fur seal, although it is occasionally listed as a common name in articles on the various species. === References === “sea-bear”, in OED Online ⁠, Oxford: Oxford University Press, launched 2000.