deep-sea

UK: ˌdiːp ˈsiː | US: ˌdip ˈsi

Definition

  1. adj. relating to or occurring in the deeper parts of the sea

  2. adj. involving or adapted to extreme ocean depths

Structure
deep <extending far down>sea <body of saltwater>
Etymology

The compound "deep-sea" combines "deep" (Old English dēop, meaning "extending far downward") and "sea" (Old English sǣ, meaning "large body of saltwater"). The term emerged to describe the profound, often unexplored regions of the ocean, reflecting humanity's categorization of marine environments by depth. Its logical construction mirrors other Germanic compound adjectives (e.g., "high-altitude"), where the first element modifies the second.

Examples

  1. Deep-sea exploration requires specialized submarines.

  2. The anglerfish is a bizarre deep-sea creature.

  3. Scientists discovered new minerals in deep-sea vents.

  4. Deep-sea diving poses significant physiological challenges.

  5. The wreckage was found in deep-sea trenches.