submarine etymology

Etymology

The word "submarine" originated from the Latin prefix "sub" (under) and the noun "mare" (sea).

Meaning

A submarine is a watercraft capable of operating submerged under the surface of the water.

Origin

The concept of underwater vessels can be traced back to ancient times. However, the modern submarine as we know it today emerged in the 19th century:

  • 1620: Cornelius van Drebbel, a Dutch inventor, built a small wooden submarine propelled by oars and illuminated by candles.
  • 1690: Denis Papin, a French scientist, proposed using a pressurized sphere to create a submersible vessel.
  • 1776: David Bushnell, an American inventor, built the "Turtle," the first submersible vehicle to successfully attack an enemy ship.
  • Early 19th Century: Robert Fulton developed the "Nautilus," a steam-powered submarine with a snorkel for surface ventilation.
  • 1859: The Confederate Navy used the first submarine in combat during the American Civil War.
  • Late 19th and Early 20th Century: Technologies improved, and submarines evolved into more capable vessels with diesel-electric propulsion, torpedoes, and periscopes.
  • 20th and 21st Centuries: Submarines have become essential for naval warfare, used for various purposes, including underwater reconnaissance, attack, defense, and deterrence.

submarine relate terms

  • marine

    Etymology The word marine is derived from the Latin marinus which means of the sea

  • hero

    Etymology The word hero originates from the Greek word ἥρως herōs which refe

  • submarine

    Etymology The word submarine originated from the Latin prefix sub under and the nou

  • grinder

    Etymology The word grinder has multiple origins Old English grindan meaning to

  • hoagie

    Etymology The word hoagie is believed to have originated in Philadelphia Pennsylvania

  • hero

    Etymology The word hero originates from the Greek word ἥρως herōs which refe

  • gyro

    Etymology Greek γῦρος gyros meaning ring or circle Meaning and Origin

  • grinder

    Etymology The word grinder has multiple origins Old English grindan meaning to

  • hoagie

    Etymology The word hoagie is believed to have originated in Philadelphia Pennsylvania

  • torpedo

    Etymology The word torpedo comes from the Latin word torpedo which means numbness

  • ping

    Etymology The word ping is derived from the sound made by sonar devices used in submar

  • snorkel

    Etymology Old English snorcelian snorcelan Origin Proto Germanic snurklijaną a de

  • Polaris

    Etymology Latin Polaris polar star Greek πόλος pólos pivot axis pole

  • wedge

    Etymology Wedge comes from the Middle English word wegge itself derived from the Old E

  • operate

    Etymology Operate derives from the Latin word operari meaning to work or to do

  • disk

    Etymology Old French disque Latin discus Meaning A flat circular object typical