torpedo

(tôr pē′dō)

noun pl. torpedoes

electric ray
☆ a large, cigar-shaped, self-propelled underwater projectile for launching against enemy ships from a submarine, airplane, etc.: it is detonated by contact, sound, etc.
a metal case containing explosives, esp. one used as an underwater mine
a small fireworks device consisting of a percussion cap and gravel wrapped in tissue paper, which explodes with a loud noise when thrown against a hard surface
☆ an explosive cartridge or a flare, placed on a railroad track and detonated by a train wheel as a signal to the crew
☆ an explosive cartridge lowered into oil wells, where it is detonated to clear the bore or break through into the oil pocket
☆ Slang a gangster or gunman hired as a bodyguard, assassin, etc.

Origin: L, numbness, crampfish < torpere, to be stiff: see torpid

to attack, damage, or destroy with or as with a torpedo

See torpedo in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun pl. tor·pe·does

A cigar-shaped, self-propelled underwater projectile launched from a submarine, aircraft, or ship and designed to detonate on contact with or in the vicinity of a target.
Any of various submarine explosive devices, especially a submarine mine.
A small explosive placed on a railroad track that is fired by the weight of the train to sound a warning of an approaching hazard.
An explosive fired in an oil or gas well to begin or increase the flow.
A small firework consisting of gravel wrapped in tissue paper with a percussion cap that explodes when thrown against a hard surface.
See electric ray.
Slang A professional assassin or thug.
Chiefly New Jersey See submarine. See Regional Note at submarine.