torpedo

noun tohr-PEH-doh Rare

Origin: From Latin torpedo (numbness), the name of the electric ray whose shock numbs its prey; the weapon was later named after the fish.

Usage Note

Torpedo is the self-propelled underwater weapon. The verb torpedear means to torpedo, used both literally and figuratively (torpedear un plan — to sabotage a plan). The related adjective torpe (clumsy) shares the Latin root meaning numbness.

Examples

"El submarino lanzó un torpedo."

Natural Translation

The submarine launched a torpedo.

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