paravane
Definition
Noun: - A towed underwater device: A "paravane" is a torpedo-shaped device that is towed behind a ship to cut the mooring cables of submerged mines. It is designed to deflect mines away from the vessel and sever their anchors, allowing the ship to pass safely.
Usage Examples
- (A towed device used to cut mine cables.)
- (A device attached to the front of a ship for mine clearance.)
Advanced Usage
"to stream a paravane": to deploy the paravane from a ship into the water.
- The crew streamed the paravane as they entered the dangerous waters. (They put the device into operation.)
"paravane array": a system of multiple paravanes used together for wider mine-sweeping coverage.
- The minesweeper used a paravane array to protect the fleet. (A set of several paravanes working in coordination.)
Variants and Related Words
Paravaning (noun): the act or process of using a paravane.
- Paravaning was a standard procedure for naval convoys during the war. (The practice of employing paravanes.)
Paravaned (adjective, past participle): equipped with or using a paravane.
- The paravaned trawler moved cautiously through the channel. (The ship fitted with a paravane.)
Synonyms
- Mine-sweeping device: a tool used to remove naval mines.
- Mine-deflector: a mechanism that pushes mines away from a vessel.
Related Idioms
- No common idioms directly incorporate "paravane," as it is a highly specialized technical term. However, it may appear in naval or historical contexts as a specific piece of equipment.