torpedo

/tɔ:'pi:dou/

Friendly

Word: Torpedo

Part of Speech: Noun and Verb

Definitions:

1. Noun (underwater weapon): A torpedo is a long, cylindrical weapon that can travel underwater. It is designed to explode when it hits a target, like a ship.

   • Example: The submarine launched a torpedo at the enemy vessel.

2. Noun (electric ray): A type of fish known as a torpedo has a rounded body and can produce electric shocks.

   • Example: The torpedo fish can deliver a strong electric jolt to its prey.

3. Noun (explosive device): A small explosive device that can be placed on a railroad track and detonates when a train runs over it.

   • Example: The torpedo on the tracks warned the engineer of danger ahead.

4. Noun (sandwich): In some regions of the United States, a torpedo can also refer to a large sandwich filled with meats, cheeses, and vegetables.

   • Example: I ordered a torpedo sandwich for lunch, and it was delicious!

5. Noun (professional killer): Informally, it can refer to a hitman or a professional killer.

   • Example: The detective was trying to catch the torpedo before he could strike again.

6. Verb: To attack or hit something with torpedoes.

   • Example: The military plans to torpedo the enemy's supply ships.

Usage Instructions:

• Use "torpedo" as a noun when talking about the weapon, the fish, or the sandwich.
• Use it as a verb when describing the action of attacking with torpedoes.

Advanced Usage:

• In military contexts, "torpedo" often refers specifically to naval warfare.
• In slang, calling someone a "torpedo" might imply that they are dangerous or threatening.

Word Variants:

• Torpedoed (verb, past tense): The action of having attacked or destroyed something with a torpedo.
• Torpedoing (verb, present participle): The ongoing action of using torpedoes.

Different Meanings:

• The context is important to understand which meaning of "torpedo" is being used. For example, in a conversation about food, it likely refers to a sandwich, while in a military context, it refers to the underwater weapon.

Synonyms:

• For the weapon: missile, explosive, projectile.
• For the electric ray: electric ray, numbfish.
• For the sandwich: hoagie, sub, hero (in different regions).

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• There aren’t specific idioms or phrasal verbs that include "torpedo," but you might hear phrases like “torpedo someone's plans,” meaning to ruin or sabotage someone's plans.

Academic

Noun

1. 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
2. armament consisting of a long cylindrical self-propelled underwater projectile that detonates on contact with a target
3. 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
4. a small firework that consists of a percussion cap and some gravel wrapped in paper; explodes when thrown forcefully against a hard surface
5. 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)
6. 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
7. a professional killer who uses a gun

Verb

1. attack or hit with torpedoes

Synonyms

• electric ray
• crampfish
• numbfish