I. ˈsnȯrkəl, -ȯ(ə)k- noun
( -s )
Etymology: German schnorchel, from German dialect, snout, from schnorchen to snore; akin to Middle High German snarchen to snore — more at snork
1. or schnor·kel also schnor·chel ˈshnȯrkəl, -ȯ(ə)k- : a tube or pair of tubes housing air intake and exhaust pipes that can be extended above the surface of the water for operating submerged submarines
2. : any of various devices resembling a snorkel in appearance or function: as
a. : a plastic breathing tube fitted at one end with a mouthpiece and at the other with a valve that admits air when projecting above water and closes when submerged and used for swimming near the surface with the head underwater
b. : an air intake tube projecting above water on an automotive vehicle designed to travel submerged
II. intransitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
1. of a submarine : to operate submerged on diesel engines with only a snorkel showing above water
2. : to swim near the surface of the water with submerged face breathing through a snorkel