submarine

A vessel that can travel and operate below the surface of the sea.

• The submarine went underwater.
• Several submarines took part in the naval exercise.
• The crew spent a month aboard a nuclear submarine.

Similar words: sub

Common phrases: nuclear submarine, submarine crew, aboard a submarine

Under the sea, connected with being under the sea, or designed for use there.

• A submarine cable connects the islands.
• Scientists mapped a submarine volcano near the coast.
• The company repaired its submarine pipeline last summer.

Similar words: undersea, underwater

Common phrases: submarine cable, submarine volcano, submarine pipeline

Kept hidden or not made known to other people.

• The company faced a submarine patent claim.
• A submarine patent remained hidden while the industry adopted the technology.
• Lawyers warned that submarine patents could threaten the new product.

Similar words: hidden, undisclosed, secret

Opposites: disclosed, public

Common phrases: submarine patent, submarine patent application

To slide forward under your seat belt during a crash or sudden stop.

• The dummy submarined during the crash test.
• A reclining passenger can submarine under the lap belt.
• The new seat design reduces the chance that occupants will submarine.

How to use it: submarine under a seat belt (A badly positioned passenger may submarine under the seat belt.)

Common phrases: submarine under something, submarine during impact