torpedo

¹tor·pe·do

noun \tȯr-ˈpē-(ˌ)dō\

plural tor·pe·does

Definition of TORPEDO

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

Examples of TORPEDO

1. The battleship was sunk by a torpedo fired by a submarine.
2. <that deli's torpedoes are big enough to serve two people>

Origin of TORPEDO

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

First Known Use: circa 1520

Related to TORPEDO

Synonyms: Cuban sandwich, grinder, hero, hoagie (also hoagy), Italian sandwich, po'boy (also poor boy), sub, submarine