torpedo
a self-propelled, cigar-shaped missile containing explosives and often equipped with a homing device, launched from a submarine or other warship, for destroying surface vessels or other submarines.
any of various submarine explosive devices for destroying hostile ships, as a mine.
a cartridge of gunpowder, dynamite, or the like, exploded in an oil well to facilitate the extraction of oil from the well.
a detonating device fastened to the top of a rail so as to be exploded by the pressure of a locomotive or car, thus giving an audible signal to members of a train crew.
any of various other explosive devices, as a firework that consists of an explosive wrapped up with gravel in a piece of tissue paper and that detonates when thrown forcibly on the ground or against a hard surface.
Also called torpedo fish . an electric ray, especially Torpedo nobiliana, of the Atlantic Ocean.
an electric catfish, Malapterurus electricus, inhabiting waters of tropical central Africa and the Nile valley.
Informal. a hero sandwich.
Slang. a gangster hired as a murderer.
to attack, hit, damage, or destroy with torpedoes.
to explode a torpedo in (an oil well) to facilitate the extraction of oil.
to undermine, ruin, or destroy: He torpedoed our plans.
to attack, damage, or sink a ship with torpedoes.
Origin of torpedo
1regional variation note For torpedo
Other words from torpedo
- tor·pe·do·like, adjective
- un·tor·pe·doed, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
British Dictionary definitions for torpedo
/ (tɔːˈpiːdəʊ) /
a cylindrical self-propelled weapon carrying explosives that is launched from aircraft, ships, or submarines and follows an underwater path to hit its target
obsolete a submarine mine
US and Canadian a firework containing gravel and a percussion cap that explodes when dashed against a hard surface
US and Canadian a detonator placed on a railway line as a danger signal
any of various electric rays of the genus Torpedo
to hit (a ship, etc) with one or a number of torpedoes
to render ineffective; destroy or wreck: to torpedo the administration's plan
Origin of torpedo
1Derived forms of torpedo
- torpedo-like, adjective
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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