A breathing tube used by swimmers and divers to breathe while their face is underwater, or a similar air intake device on submarines.
From German 'Schnorchel', originally a submarine's breathing tube during World War II. The word comes from German 'schnarchen' meaning to snore, referring to the noise the device made. Post-war recreational diving adopted both the technology and the name.
The snorkel's journey from German U-boats to tropical vacation gear perfectly illustrates how military technology becomes civilian pleasure - what once helped submarines hunt Allied ships now helps tourists explore coral reefs. The connection to snoring in its etymology adds a delightful ironic twist to this peaceful aquatic activity.
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