Main Entry: ¹tor·pe·do

Pronunciation: \tȯr-ˈpē-(ˌ)dō\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural tor·pe·does

Etymology: Latin, literally, stiffness, numbness, from torpēre to be sluggish or numb — more at torpid

Date: circa 1520

1 : electric ray
2 : a weapon for destroying ships by rupturing their hulls below the waterline: as a : a submarine mine b : a thin cylindrical self-propelled underwater projectile
3 : a small firework that explodes when thrown against a hard object
4 : a professional gunman or assassin
5 : submarine 2