1. a deep-sea research vessel designed to withstand extreme water pressure and carry observers to great ocean depths
Usage: nautical; scientific

Examples

• The bathyscaphe descended to the deepest part of the ocean trench.
• Scientists used a bathyscaphe to explore the Mariana Trench.
• The crew operated the bathyscaphe from inside its pressurized sphere.
• Modern bathyscaphes can reach depths of over 35,000 feet.
• The bathyscaphe’s powerful lights illuminated the dark ocean floor.
• Jacques Piccard piloted the famous bathyscaphe Trieste in 1960.