torpids

The rowing team competes in the torpids on the river.

Definition

1. Noun (plural only):
   • A series of boat races: "torpids" refers to the annual rowing races held at the University of Oxford in the spring, specifically for college second boats (the second team of each college). The term is derived from the Latin torpidus meaning "sluggish" or "numb," originally used to describe the slower, less competitive races compared to the main "Eights" races.
   • The boats themselves: "torpids" can also refer to the boats used in these races.

Usage Examples

• (The second team prepared for the spring rowing competition.)
• (He participated in the university rowing races.)
• (These races are a significant annual event.)

Advanced Usage

• "to row in the torpids": to participate as a crew member in these specific races.
  • She was proud to row in the torpids for her college. (She competed in the spring rowing event.)
• "the torpids division": the category or group of boats competing in these races.
  • The torpids division includes the less experienced rowers. (The group of slower boats in the competition.)

Variants and Related Words

• Torpid (adj): sluggish, inactive, or lacking energy.
  • The hot weather made everyone feel torpid. (The heat caused a lack of energy.)
• Torpidity (n): the state of being sluggish or dormant.
  • The torpidity of the snake in winter surprised the hiker. (The animal's inactivity was notable.)

Synonyms

• College races: a general term for university rowing competitions.
• Second-boat races: a descriptive phrase for the specific level of racing.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

• This word does not commonly appear in idioms or phrasal verbs, as it is a specialized term.

Related Idioms

• None directly associated with "torpids," but in rowing context: "to bump": in Oxford and Cambridge rowing, to touch the boat ahead to gain a place.
  • During the torpids, the crew managed to bump the boat in front. (They touched the opposing boat to advance in the standings.)