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Glite Dictionary
minisubmarine

minisubmarine

7.4
A very small underwater boat that carries one or two people
  • noun
  • /ˌmɪniˈsʌbməˌrin/
  • Specialized
translation icon : minisubmarino
  • During the operation, two divers descended in a minisubmarine to survey the wreck.

Examples

  • The minisubmarine can dive to great depths.

  • A minisubmarine can maneuver into tight spaces that larger subs cannot reach.

  • The research team used a minisubmarine to explore the coral reef's deeper areas.

  • Did you see the new minisubmarine at the exhibition?

  • The researcher piloted a minisubmarine to explore the depths of the ocean.

  • For their mission, the navy used a minisubmarine to infiltrate enemy waters.

  • He felt excited as he entered the minisubmarine for his first underwater adventure.

Synonyms

submarine
vsminisubmarine
191 4.2

A warship that travels underwater and carries torpedoes

is much smaller and carries only one or two people for missions
sub
vsminisubmarine
  • Informal
133 5.8

A ship that travels under water, often used by the navy

is smaller and focused on exploration or short naval operations
submersible
vsminisubmarine
  • Specialized
12 7.2

A small vehicle that moves and works under water

is smaller and built for one or two people on specific missions
minisub
vsminisubmarine
  • Specialized
1 8.6

A very small underwater boat for one or two people used by the navy and scientists

has the same meaning but is the more informal form

How Small

minisubmarine
  • Specialized
7.4
submersible
  • Specialized
12 7.2
submarine
191 4.2

Surface Forms

minisubmarine singular
minisubmarines plural

Morphology

minisubmarine = submarine (transparent) = mini + submarine + mini

The meaning is directly derived from 'mini' (small) + 'submarine' (a vessel that operates underwater), so learners can infer 'very small submarine'.

Etymology

Minisubmarine combines mini- meaning 'small' and submarine, which itself breaks into sub- 'under' and marine 'sea'. So a minisubmarine is literally a 'small' vehicle that goes 'under the sea', which is why it is used for one or two people and to go into tight spaces.