Definition of: torpedo

(tôr·pē′dō) noun plural ·dos or ·does
1. A device or apparatus containing an explosive to be fired by concussion or otherwise.
2. A self–propelling, cigar–shaped projectile for carrying a powerful detonating charge under water to a hostile vessel.
3. A submarine mine.
4. A cartridge placed on a railway track and exploded by the weight of a train passing over it, the report serving as a warning signal to the train crew.
5. A cartridge exploded in an oil or gas well to start or increase the flow.
6. A toy of gravel and a fulminating powder wrapped in paper, and exploded by being dashed against some hard surface.
7. A ray fish (Torpedo ocellata) having an electric apparatus with which it stuns or kills its prey; a crampfish; numbfish.
8. Colloq. A gangster, especially an armed bodyguard prepared to attack or kill without warning.
—aerial torpedo A torpedo projectile, moving under its own power and usually released from low–flying aircraft at fixed or floating targets.
—v.t. ·doed, ·do·ing To damage or sink (a vessel) with a torpedo or torpedos. [<L, stiffness, numbness <torpere be numb]