Word: Homing Torpedo
Definition:
A homing torpedo is a type of weapon used in water, specifically designed to travel and find its target on its own. It can detect the sounds made by a ship’s engines, allowing it to steer itself toward that ship to hit it.
Usage Instructions:
- Use "homing torpedo" when talking about military weapons, especially in the context of naval warfare. - It is a noun, so it can be the subject or object of a sentence.
Example Sentence:
"The navy launched a homing torpedo that successfully struck the enemy submarine."
Advanced Usage:
In technical discussions about military technology, you might hear phrases like: - "The effectiveness of homing torpedoes has changed the dynamics of naval combat." - "Modern homing torpedoes can adapt to various underwater conditions."
Word Variants:
- Homing (adjective): Refers to something that can find its way back or to a specific target, like "homing pigeons," which are birds trained to return to their home. - Torpedo (noun): A self-propelled explosive weapon that travels underwater.
Different Meanings:
- "Homing" can refer to the ability to return to a specific location, not just in military terms. For example, "homing instinct" refers to the natural ability of animals to find their way home. - "Torpedo" can also be used as a verb, meaning to destroy or ruin something, especially in a figurative sense, like "to torpedo a plan."
Synonyms:
While "homing torpedo" is quite specific, you might find related terms like: - Guided missile: A broader term for weapons that can steer themselves to a target (though missiles can be used in the air as well). - Smart weapon: Refers to advanced weaponry that uses technology to hit targets accurately.
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:
There are no direct idioms or phrasal verbs that specifically use "homing torpedo," but you might encounter phrases like "hit the target," which can be used metaphorically in various contexts.
Summary:
A homing torpedo is a sophisticated military weapon that autonomously seeks out and attacks its target by detecting sounds.