DictionaryRoot: amirail
Old French

amirail

military commander

2 / 4
On a naval ship, a decorated officer gives orders from the command deck while uniformed sailors respond and multiple vessels follow the officer's direction.
noun

admiral

AD-muh-ruhl/ˈædmərəl/

A high-ranking naval officer.

Etymology

Old French amirail meant a military commander. Its use for a commander of a fleet narrowed the broader title to the high naval rank used today.

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