torpedo
1. tor.pe.do \to.r-'pe-d-(.)o-\ n or torpedoes [L, lit., stiffness,
numbness, fr. torpe-re to be stiff or numb] pl 1: ELECTRIC RAY 2: an
engine or machine for destroying ships by blowing them up : as 2a: a
submarine mine 2b: a dirigible self-propelling cigar-shaped submarine
projectile filled wi th an explosive charge that is projected from a ship
often designed for the purpose against another at a distance 3a: a charge
of explosive enclosed in a container or case 3b: a small firework that
explodes when thrown against a hard object 4: a professional gunman or
assassin
2. torpedo \-'pe-d-*-win\ vt or tor.pe.do.ing 1: to hit or sink (a ship)
with a naval torpedo : strike or destroy by t orpedo 2: to destroy or
nullify altogether : WRECK {~ a plan}