submarine
SUB-muh-reen
/ˈsʌbməriːn/
A warship designed to operate completely submerged in the sea for long periods.
Can also refer to anything existing or operating under the surface of the sea (e.g., submarine cable).
The story behind the word. The word 'submarine' is a wonderfully descriptive combination of Latin roots. 'Sub' means 'under' or 'below,' and 'mare' means 'sea.' Put them together, and you have a vessel that literally goes 'under the sea.' The concept of underwater craft existed for centuries, but the word became prominent with the development of practical submarines in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Word relationships
- U-boat: Specific term for German submarines, especially during WWI and WWII.
- sub: Informal short form.
Word family
- submerge (verb): To cause to be under water.
- marine (adj): Of or relating to the sea.
Collocations
- nuclear submarine
- attack submarine
- submarine cable
- submarine warfare
Example sentences
- "The nuclear submarine was capable of remaining underwater for months, making it a formidable stealth weapon." Describing a military vessel.
- "Explorers discovered a vast submarine canyon, teeming with unique deep-sea life." Referring to underwater geography.
Memory hook
SUB-marine: SUB means 'under,' and 'marine' means 'sea.' So, 'under the sea.' Under the sea
When not to use
While 'submarine' can be an adjective, 'submerged' or 'underwater' are more common for general descriptions.
Fun facts
- The first truly successful military submarine was the 'Turtle,' used by the American colonists in 1776, though it didn't achieve its objective.
- Jules Verne's novel 'Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Seas' (1870) popularized the idea of submarines long before they were common.
Explore more words
submersible, submerge, subconscious, marine, trench, tsunami
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