SCUBA
|scu-ba|
/ˈskuːbə/
underwater breathing gear
Etymology
'SCUBA' originates from English, specifically the phrase 'self-contained underwater breathing apparatus', where the initial letters of those words were combined to form the acronym 'SCUBA'.
'SCUBA' developed in the mid-20th century as an initialism for the technical phrase 'self-contained underwater breathing apparatus' and later came into common use as the standalone word 'SCUBA' and then the lowercase common noun and verb 'scuba'.
Initially, it referred specifically to the breathing apparatus itself, but over time its meaning broadened to include the activity (scuba diving) and the verb form 'to scuba' (to dive using SCUBA).
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
an acronym for 'Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus'; the portable apparatus that supplies breathing gas to a diver underwater.
The diver checked his SCUBA before descending.
Synonyms
Noun 2
the activity or sport of diving while using a SCUBA apparatus (often used as uncountable).
She is certified in SCUBA.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/12/29 11:07