What does PHOCA mean?

Here is the requested information about "phoca": 1. **Parts of Speech:** "phoca" is a noun. 2. **Definitions:** "phoca" refers to a genus of marine mammals in the family Phocidae, commonly known as "true seals". They are characterized by their lack of external ear flaps and their short, flat front flippers. There are several species of phocas, including the harbor seal, the gray seal, and the ringed seal. 3. **Pronunciations:** - US: /ˈfoʊkə/ - UK: /ˈfəʊkə/ 4. **Origin and Usage:** The word "phoca" comes from the Latin "phoca" meaning "seal". The genus name was first used by the German naturalist Johann Friedrich Gmelin in 1788. Phocas are found in the Arctic and Antarctic regions, as well as in temperate and tropical waters. They are important predators in marine ecosystems and are also hunted by humans for their meat, oil, and fur. 5. **Synonyms:** "phoca" is synonymous with "seal", "pinniped", and "fin-footed mammal". 6. **Related Words:** Some related 5 letter words include "seals", "ocean", "beach", "fluke", and "whale". 7. **Example Sentences:** - The harbor phoca is a common sight along the rocky coastlines of North America. - The gray phoca can weigh up to 800 pounds and dive to depths of over 1,000 feet. - The ringed phoca gets its name from the distinctive rings on its fur. - Phocas are important predators in the Arctic food web, feeding on fish, squid, and crustaceans. - The Inuit people have hunted phocas for thousands of years, using their meat and fur for food and clothing.