Torpedo

tor-pē′do, n. a genus of cartilaginous fishes of family Torpedinidæ , related to the skates and rays, with electric organs on each side of the head, giving an electric shock when touched so as to produce torpor or numbne , the cramp-fish: a submarine weapon of offence, carrying a charge of gun-cotton or other explosive, and po e ing powers of locomotion—in distinction to a submarine mine, which is stationary and used for defensive purposes:— pl. Torpē′does .— v.t. to attack with torpedoes, to explode a torpedo in or under.— adj. Torped′inous .— ns. Torpē′do-boat , a small swift steamer from which torpedoes are discharged; Torpē′do-boom , a spar for carrying a torpedo, projecting from a boat or anchored in a channel; Torpē′do-catch′er , a swift ve el for capturing torpedo-boats; Torpē′doist , one skilled in the management of torpedoes; Torpē′do-net , a net of wire hung at some distance round a ship to intercept torpedoes. [L.,— torpēre , to be stiff.]