Torpedo

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ËŒtɔː(ɹ)ˈpiː.dəʊ/
• US IPA: /tɔɹˈpi.doÊŠ/

Origin

From Latin torpēdō ("a torpedo fish"), from torpēdō ("numbness, torpidity, electric ray"), from torpeō ("I am stiff, numb, torpid; I am astounded; I am inactive") and -dō ("noun suffix"), from Proto-Indo-European *ster ("stiff"), see also Old English steorfan ("to die"), Ancient Greek στερεός ("solid"), Lithuanian tirpstu ("to become rigid"), Old Church Slavonic трупети

Noun

1. (military) A cylindrical explosive projectile that can travel underwater and is used as a weapon.
2. A fish having wings that generate electric current, a kind of electric ray.
3. (regional) A submarine sandwich.
4. (archaic, military) A naval mine.
5. (obsolete, military) An explosive device buried underground and set off remotely, to destroy fortifications, troops, or cavalry; a land torpedo
6. (slang) A professional gunman or assassin.
7. (rail transport, US) a small explosive device attached to the top of the rail to provide an audible warning when a train passes over it
8. A kind of firework in the form of a small ball, or pellet, which explodes when thrown upon a hard object.

Synonyms

• (rail transport) detonator UK

Derived terms

• torpedo roll
• land torpedo
• spar torpedo

Full definition of torpedo

Verb

1. To send a torpedo, usually from a submarine, that explodes below the waterline of the target ship.
2. To sink a ship with one of more torpedoes.
3. To undermine or destroy any endeavor with a stealthy, powerful attack.

Anagrams

• optrode
• pet door
• trooped