noun

submersion

sub-MUR-zhun/səbˈmɜːrʒn/

The act of putting something, or the state of being, completely under water or another covering substance.

This waterproof watch keeps working after complete submersion in water.

An object resting fully underwater with a clear surface line above it.

Etymology

subLatinunder

+mersLatinplunge, immerse

+ionLatinact or process

The pieces describe an act of plunging something under. The English noun first referred specifically to suffocation in water, then broadened to the act of putting something beneath the surface.

In context

Science Channel7:30

… DESPITE THE ROUGH SUBMERSION, MAUNSELL'S GROUNDBREAKING DESIGN WORKED PERFECTLY.

Impossible Engineering: Mega Bridge (S1, E1) | Full Episode

More examples

The coating process requires full submersion of each part in paint.
Rescuers free the driver before the car's complete submersion.
Repeated submersions in salt water damage the untreated metal.

Forms

submersion · submersions

submerge verb — To put or go completely under water.

Similar words

immersion: Often emphasizes deliberate placement in liquid for a purpose.
flooding: Describes water covering an area, not necessarily completely.