Submarine
/ˈsʌbməriːn/
Definitions
2 meaningsA warship with a hull designed to operate underwater.
/ˈsʌbməriːn/
An underwater vessel
The submarine surfaced after its covert mission.
💡 Simply: Imagine a boat that can go *under* the water! It's like a secret, underwater spaceship, often used by the navy or for exploring the deep sea.
👶 For kids: A submarine is like a boat that can go under the water! It's used to travel and explore underwater.
More Examples
The submarine's sonar detected an enemy vessel.
The crew of the submarine prepared for a long patrol.
How It's Used
"The navy launched a new nuclear submarine."
"Scientists use submarines to study marine life at great depths."
"In the novel, the protagonist escapes in a submarine."
Existing, occurring, or used under the surface of the sea.
/ˈsʌbməriːn/
Located or operating below the surface of the sea
Submarine cables carry data across the ocean floor.
💡 Simply: If something's submarine, it's happening or located *under* the water. Think about a submarine cable that connects across oceans.
👶 For kids: When something is submarine, it means it's happening or living under the sea, like a secret base!
More Examples
They conducted submarine exercises to test new equipment.
The research focused on submarine ecosystems.
How It's Used
"The submarine canyon is an underwater feature."
"Submarine volcanoes are active underwater."
"The submarine warfare strategy proved effective."
From French *sous-marin* (literally 'under the sea'), from Latin *sub* ('under') and *marinus* ('marine', 'of the sea'). The term gained prominence with the development of underwater vessels, especially during the age of naval warfare.
The term 'submarine' began to be used more commonly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries with the invention of more effective underwater vessels, especially during World War I and World War II.
Memory tip
Think of *sub* (under) and *marine* (sea): an underwater sea vessel.
Word Origin
"Sub (under) + marin(sea)"