Meaning and usage of the word diving bell in English

The term "diving bell" originated in the late 17th century from the French "cloche à plonger," which translates to "diver's bell." The French word "cloche" means "bell," and it was used to describe the shape of the device, which resembled a large, enclosed bell. When scuba diving was not yet invented, diving was done by using a totally enclosed chamber to keep out water and preserve air for the breathable purposes. So, the "bell" was devised to store air for the divers to breathe underwater. The diver would enter this bell through a curved entrance called a lock chamber. The bell could be anchored to the sea floor or towed along by a boat. Today, diving bells are used for various commercial activities such as salvaging, underwater welding or repairing of ships and offshore installations, and interacting with the marine life for scientific research.