Torpedo
(noun)
A self-propelled underwater missile that is designed to explode on impact with a target.
Origin:
The word torpedo comes from the latin word "torpidus" meaning numb or benumbed, which was used in the 16th century to describe a type of electric ray which had a numbing effect on its prey. in the 19th century, it was used to describe an underwater self-propelled missile.
Examples:
- The submarine fired a torpedo at the enemy warship.
- The torpedo was guided by an advanced homing system.
- During the World War II, torpedoes were responsible for sinking numerous ships.
- The torpedo's warhead was designed to explode on impact with the target.
- The torpedo was equipped with a proximity fuse that would detonate it when it was close enough to the target.