Submergence is a nine-letter word that is spelled as /səbˈmɜːdʒəns/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable starts with the unstressed schwa /sə/ followed by a stressed /b/ sound. The second syllable has a long open mid-central vowel /ɜː/ with a /dʒ/ sound and the suffix -ence. The word refers to the action or process of sinking or being completely covered by water or any other liquid. It is commonly used in the context of floods, marine biology, and diving.
Submergence is a noun that refers to the act or state of being submerged, or completely covered or immersed in a liquid substance, particularly water. It is derived from the verb "submerge," which means to dip, sink, or place entirely under a liquid or a similar substance.
In a literal sense, submergence can depict situations where something is fully engulfed or sunk under water. It can relate to various entities, such as objects, structures, or landscapes that are temporarily or permanently submerged in bodies of water, like rivers, lakes, or the ocean. For instance, a shipwreck can experience submergence as it lies at the bottom of the sea.
Metaphorically, submergence can also describe a state of being emotionally or mentally overwhelmed or inundated. This can occur when an individual feels completely absorbed or consumed by intense emotions, thoughts, or experiences. It may connote a sense of being overwhelmed or engulfed by feelings of sadness, grief, stress, or anxiety.
Additionally, submergence can be used in an abstract context to describe the process of getting involved or engrossed in a situation or activity to such an extent that one's attention or presence becomes deeply engaged. This use of the term implies immersion in a particular subject, field, or situation with great dedication, focus, or intensity.
Overall, the term submergence refers to the state of being covered or immersed in water, overwhelmed emotionally or mentally, or deeply involved and engaged in a particular context.
The act of putting under water; state of being under water; in geol., applied to all sinkings of the land whereby its surface is brought under the waters of the ocean.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "submergence" is derived from the verb "submerge", which has its origin in Latin. It comes from the Latin verb "submergere", which is a combination of the prefix "sub", meaning "under", and the verb "mergere", meaning "to plunge or dip". The Latin word "submergere" gives rise to the Latin noun "submergentia", which means "overflowing" or "inundation". This noun is the root of the English word "submergence", which refers to the act of being submerged or immersed in water or any other liquid.