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Definitions for: Torpedo
[n] any sluggish bottom-dwelling ray of the order Torpediniformes having a rounded body and electric organs on each side of the head capable of emitting strong electric discharges
[n] armament consisting of a long cylindrical self-propelled underwater projectile that detonates on contact with a target
[n] a large sandwich made of a long crusty roll split lengthwise and filled with meats and cheese (and tomato and onion and lettuce and condiments); different names are used in different sections of the United States
[n] a professional killer who uses a gun
[v] attack or hit with torpedoes
Webster (1913) Definition: Tor*pe"do, n.
An automobile with a torpedo body. [Cant]
Tor*pe"do, n.; pl. Torpedoes. [L. torpedo, -inis,
from torpere to be stiff, numb, or torpid. See Torpid.]
1. (Zo["o]l.) Any one of numerous species of elasmobranch
fishes belonging to Torpedo and allied genera. They are
related to the rays, but have the power of giving
electrical shocks. Called also crampfish, and
numbfish. See Electrical fish, under Electrical.
Note: The common European torpedo (T. vulgaris) and the
American species (T. occidentalis) are the best
known.
2. An engine or machine for destroying ships by blowing them
up. Specifically:
(a) A quantity of explosives anchored in a channel,
beneath the water, or set adrift in a current, and so
arranged that they will be exploded when touched by a
vessel, or when an electric circuit is closed by an
operator on shore.
(b) A kind of small submarine boat carrying an explosive
charge, and projected from a ship against another ship
at a distance, or made self-propelling, and otherwise
automatic in its action against a distant ship.
3. (Mil.) A kind of shell or cartridge buried in earth, to be
exploded by electricity or by stepping on it.
4. (Railroad) A kind of detonating cartridge or shell placed
on a rail, and exploded when crushed under the locomotive
wheels, -- used as an alarm signal.
5. An explosive cartridge or shell lowered or dropped into a
bored oil well, and there exploded, to clear the well of
obstructions or to open communication with a source of
supply of oil.
6. A kind of firework in the form of a small ball, or pellet,
which explodes when thrown upon a hard object.
Fish torpedo, a spindle-shaped, or fish-shaped,
self-propelling submarine torpedo.
Spar torpedo, a canister or other vessel containing an
explosive charge, and attached to the end of a long spar
which projects from a ship or boat and is thrust against
an enemy's ship, exploding the torpedo.
Torpedo boat, a vessel adapted for carrying, launching,
operating, or otherwise making use of, torpedoes against
an enemy's ship.
Torpedo nettings, nettings made of chains or bars, which
can be suspended around a vessel and allowed to sink
beneath the surface of the water, as a protection against
torpedoes.
Tor*pe"do, v. t.
to destroy by, or subject to the action of, a torpedo.
--London Spectator.
Synonyms: bomber, crampfish, Cuban sandwich, electric ray, grinder, gun, gunman, gunslinger, hero, hero sandwich, hired gun, hit man, hoagie, hoagy, Italian sandwich, numbfish, poor boy, shooter, sub, submarine, submarine sandwich, triggerman, wedge, zep
See Also: aerial torpedo, armament, assail, attack, bangalore torpedo, family Torpedinidae, homing torpedo, liquidator, manslayer, murderer, ray, sandwich, submarine torpedo, Torpedinidae
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