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Synonyms

bireme

American  
[bahy-reem] / ˈbaɪ rim /

noun

Nautical.
  1. a galley having two banks or tiers of oars.


bireme British  
/ ˈbaɪriːm /

noun

  1. an ancient galley having two banks of oars

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of bireme

1590–1600; < Latin birēmis two-oared, having two banks of oars ( bi- bi- 1 + rēm ( us ) oar + -is adj. suffix)

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

On his first trip, the ship was a ratty old bireme captained by Agostino Contarini, one of the most notorious profiteers on the Jaffa run.

From Time Magazine Archive

Hast seen yet the charming Ionian girl who is to smite thy heart like the sharpened beak of a war bireme when it sends its prow into the soft pinewood sides of an enemy's ship?

From Saronia A Romance of Ancient Ephesus by Short, Richard

Nannienus fell into one of the boats of the Alemanni, at the starboard side of his bireme, and striking his head against a thwart, lay stunned for a considerable time.

From A Captive of the Roman Eagles by Dahn, Felix

To increase the driving force and the speed, they added a second and then a third bank of oars, thus producing the "bireme" and the "trireme."

From A History of Sea Power by Stevens, William Oliver

This Greek bireme, with its shallow hull and lofty, open superstructure, could hardy have been a seaworthy vessel.

From Ancient and Modern Ships. Part 1. Wooden Sailing Ships by Holmes, George C. V.