Dive v. i. [imp. & p. p. Dived colloq. Dove a relic of the AS. strong forms deáf, dofen; p. pr. & vb. n. Diving.]
 1. To plunge into water head foremost; to thrust the body under, or deeply into, water or other fluid.
    It is not that pearls fetch a high price because men have dived for them.   --Whately.
 Note: ☞ The colloquial form dove is common in the United States as an imperfect tense form.
    All [the walruses] dove down with a tremendous splash.   --Dr. Hayes.
    When closely pressed it [the loon] dove . . . and left the young bird sitting in the water.   --J. Burroughs.
 2. Fig.: To plunge or to go deeply into any subject, question, business, etc.; to penetrate; to explore.