Definition of "torpedo" []

• 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. (noun)
• Any of various submarine explosive devices, especially a submarine mine. (noun)
• 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. (noun)
• An explosive fired in an oil or gas well to begin or increase the flow. (noun)
• A small firework consisting of gravel wrapped in tissue paper with a percussion cap that explodes when thrown against a hard surface. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "While the term torpedo was used for mines before the 20th century, the more modern usage of "torpedo" is as a self-propelled weapon used in active combat."
• ""That's what they call a torpedo boat destroyer or despatch boat!""
• "The torpedo is evidently a CHT-02D, with a diameter of 21 inches and weight of 1.7 tons, and a payload of 250 kg - which s consistent with the size of the explosion."