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Glite Dictionary
Aqua-Lung

Aqua-Lung

1 7.7
A breathing device divers use to breathe underwater before modern scuba gear
  • noun
  • /ˈækwəˌlʌŋ/
  • Archaic
: Aqua-Lung
  • The diver used his Aqua-Lung to explore the vibrant coral reef.

Examples

  • In 1943, the invention of the Aqua-Lung, a pressurized-air delivery system, initiated modern scuba diving.

    Academic text (2009)

  • In 1943, the Aqua-Lung revolutionized underwater exploration for divers.

  • Many early divers relied on the Aqua-Lung to breathe comfortably beneath the waves.

Synonyms

scuba
vsAqua-Lung
  • Specialized
64 3.7

A set of gear that lets a person breathe underwater

is an original brand name for the early apparatus not the general modern device
aqualung
vsAqua-Lung
  • Specialized
1 6.8

A device that lets a diver breathe underwater

is the original trade name for an early predecessor rather than the modern generic

Surface Forms

Aqua-Lung singular
Aqua-Lungs plural

Morphology

Aqua-Lung = aqua + lung (transparent) = aqua + lung

The compound clearly combines 'aqua' (water) and 'lung' (breathing organ) to denote a device that functions as a 'water-lung' for underwater breathing.

Etymology

Aqua-Lung mixes aqua ('water') and lung ('breathing organ'), so it feels like a 'lung for water'. It was the brand name for early portable diving gear that let people breathe underwater and was made famous by Jacques Cousteau.