Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

paravane

noun
para·​vane | \ ˈper-ə-ˌvān How to pronounce paravane (audio) , ˈpa-rə-\

Definition of paravane

: a torpedo-shaped protective device with serrate teeth in its forward end used underwater by a ship in mined areas to sever the moorings of mines

First Known Use of paravane

1919, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for paravane

probably from French para- warding off (as in parachute) + English vane

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about paravane

Statistics for paravane

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for paravane

The first known use of paravane was in 1919

See more words from the same year

More from Merriam-Webster on paravane

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with paravane

Comments on paravane

What made you want to look up paravane? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

bower

Listen to the pronounciation of bower

a shady place in a garden or forest

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Original Meanings Quiz

  • rembrandt-painting-a-young-scholar-and-his-tutor
  • Which of the following is the earliest known sense of the word awe?
How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ
SCRABBLE® Sprint

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games