Challenger Deep

[ chal-in-jer deep ]

noun

1. the deepest known portion of seafloor in the world, located in the Pacific Ocean at the southern end of the Mariana Trench at a depth of 35,840 feet (10,924 meters). Compare Horizon Deep ( def ), Emden Deep ( def ).

Word History and Origins

Origin of Challenger Deep¹

First recorded in 1880–85; after the British Royal Navy survey ship H.M.S. Challenger, whose expedition of 1872–1876 made the first recordings of its depth

Example Sentences

The 36,070 foot descent to Challenger Deep will take less than two hours and the ascent one hour.

From The Daily Beast