noun / verb
torpedo
tor-PEE-doh/tɔːrˈpiːdəʊ/
A propelled underwater weapon carrying an explosive charge.
The submarine launches a torpedo toward the approaching enemy ship.
Etymology
Latin torpedo named numbness and the electric ray whose shock caused it. The fish's name was later applied to floating naval mines, then to self-propelled underwater weapons.
In context
equipped with sophisticated active sonar a Mark 48 torpedo is guided to its Target by 20,000 yd of wire at a maximum speed of 55
More examples
- The crew loads two torpedoes into the launch tubes.
- An enemy submarine torpedoed the cargo ship.
- A budget cut could torpedo the entire project.
Forms
torpedo · torpedoes · torpedoed · torpedoing