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Submarine: Definition, Usage & Key Examples
Meaning 1：underwater vessel (submarine)
submarine
/ˌsʌb.məˈriːn/
n.
A type of ship that can move and operate underwater.
underwater vessel
➕
/ˌʌn.dɚˈwɑː.t̬ɚ ˈves.əl/
n.
A specialized watercraft designed to operate completely submerged beneath the surface of the water.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'sub-' (under) + 'marinus' (of the sea) -> 'under the sea'.
💡 Mnemonic
"Sub" sounds like "under" and "marine" means "sea": a vehicle under the sea.
📖 Example
During the ocean expedition, the scientists used a submarine to study coral reefs deep below the surface.
In the course of the oceanographic exploration, researchers employed an underwater vessel to examine deep-sea coral formations.
🔗 Collocations
nuclear submarine – a submarine powered by a nuclear reactor
submarine fleet – a group of submarines operated together as a naval unit
submarine base – a military facility for the maintenance and operation of submarines
🔄 Synonyms
submersible (n.) – A vessel capable of diving and operating underwater, often smaller than a military submarine.
U-boat (n.) – A historical term for German submarines, especially those used in World War I and II.
undersea craft (n.) – A descriptive term for any vehicle designed to operate beneath the sea surface.
🚫 Antonyms
surface ship (n.) – A ship that operates primarily on the surface of the water.
🌱 Derivatives
submariner (n.) – A sailor who serves on a submarine.
submarine (adj.) – Existing, occurring, or used under the surface of the sea.
📖 Cultural Story
Originates from the Latin 'submarinus', first recorded in English in the 17th century for underwater plants. The term for underwater vessels became prominent in the 19th and 20th centuries, especially during naval warfare in World Wars.
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