Submarine Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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submarine

[หˆsสŒbmษ™หŒrin ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

military vessel

A submarine is a watercraft capable of independent operation underwater. Submarines are often used by navies as vessels for warfare and reconnaissance, as they can remain submerged for extended periods, making them stealthy and difficult to detect.

Synonyms

submersible, u-boat, underwater boat.

Examples of usage

  • The submarine launched a torpedo at the target.
  • Nuclear submarines can stay underwater for months.
  • The military deployed several submarines in the region.
  • He served on a submarine during his naval career.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Military History

  • Submarines played a crucial role in both World Wars, used primarily for stealthy attacks against enemy ships.
  • The German U-boats were infamous during World War I and II for disrupting Allied supply lines in the Atlantic Ocean.

Science and Technology

  • Modern submarines are equipped with advanced technology, including sonar and nuclear propulsion, allowing them to stay underwater for extended periods.
  • Submersibles, which are a type of submarine, can dive to extreme depths and are used for ocean research.

Pop Culture

  • The Beatles released a famous song called 'Yellow Submarine,' celebrating imagination and adventure under the sea.
  • Many movies feature submarines, like 'Das Boot' and 'The Hunt for Red October,' highlighting their mystery and importance.

Exploration

  • Submarines have helped scientists explore the deep sea, a largely unknown region teeming with unique life forms.
  • Through the use of remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) attached to submarines, researchers have discovered new species and underwater volcanoes.

Origin of 'submarine'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Latin roots, with 'sub' meaning under and 'marine' meaning related to the sea.
  • It was first used in the 17th century to describe vessels designed to travel below the surface of water.

The word 'submarine' comes from the Latin word 'submarinus', which means 'under the sea'. The prefix 'sub-' means 'under', and 'marinus' refers to 'of the sea'. The use of the term traces back to the early 17th century, where it denoted a device or vessel capable of underwater travel. The concept of underwater navigation has fascinated humanity for centuries, but it was not until the 19th century that practical submarines began to emerge. The first successful military submarine, the Confederate States Navy's H.L. Hunley, was used during the American Civil War. With advancements in technology, submarines evolved from simple wooden designs to sophisticated, streamlined vessels with advanced propulsion and weaponry. The development of nuclear-powered submarines in the mid-20th century marked a significant turning point, allowing for longer submerged operations and greater strategic capabilities.


Word Frequency Rank

At #7,495 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.