torpedo

/tɔrˈpidoʊ/

/tɔˈpidəʊ/

Other forms: torpedoes; torpedoed; torpedoing; torpedos

A torpedo is a type of missile or bomb fired underwater. To torpedo is to attack with torpedoes.

Torpedoes are cigar-shaped projectiles that are used to attack other submarines or boats. The word torpedo comes from the name of a kind of electric ray that numbs you with its sting (torpediniformes). Torpedoes can also be used to attack a target on land. When a submarine fires torpedoes, they're torpedoing the target. Torpedoes explode upon impact, and they're very powerful weapons.

Definitions of torpedo

1. noun

   armament consisting of a long cylindrical self-propelled underwater projectile that detonates on contact with a target
   types:

   aerial torpedo

   a torpedo designed to be launched from an airplane

   bangalore torpedo

   a metal pipe filled with explosive, used to detonate land mines or to clear a path through barbed wire

   homing torpedo

   a torpedo that is guided to its target (as by the sound of a ship's engines)

   submarine torpedo

   a torpedo designed to be launched from a submarine

   type of:

   armament

   weaponry used by military or naval force
2. noun

   a small explosive device that is placed on a railroad track and fires when a train runs over it; the sound of the explosion warns the engineer of danger ahead
   type of:

   explosive device

   device that bursts with sudden violence from internal energy

   alarm, alarum, alert, warning signal

   an automatic signal (usually a sound) warning of danger
3. noun

   a small firework that consists of a percussion cap and some gravel wrapped in paper; explodes when thrown forcefully against a hard surface
   type of:

   firework, pyrotechnic

   (usually plural) a device with an explosive that burns at a low rate and with colored flames; can be used to illuminate areas or send signals etc.
4. noun

   an explosive device that is set off in an oil well (or a gas well) to start or to increase the flow of oil (or gas)
   type of:

   explosive device

   device that bursts with sudden violence from internal energy
5. noun

   a professional killer who uses a gun
   synonyms: gun, gun for hire, gunman, gunslinger, hired gun, hit man, hitman, shooter, triggerman

   type of:

   liquidator, manslayer, murderer

   a criminal who commits homicide (who performs the unlawful premeditated killing of another human being)
6. verb

   attack or hit with torpedoes
   type of:

   assail, attack

   launch an attack or assault on; begin hostilities or start warfare with
7. noun

   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
   synonyms: Cuban sandwich, Italian sandwich, bomber, grinder, hero, hero sandwich, hoagie, hoagy, poor boy, sub, submarine, submarine sandwich, wedge, zep

   type of:

   sandwich

   two (or more) slices of bread with a filling between them
8. noun

   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
   synonyms: crampfish, electric ray, numbfish

   type of:

   ray

   cartilaginous fishes having horizontally flattened bodies and enlarged winglike pectoral fins with gills on the underside; most swim by moving the pectoral fins