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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

On the other side is a painting of a complete bireme, which, on account of its antiquity and the peculiarities of its structure is of extraordinary interest.

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

It is probable that the Greeks did not originate the bireme, but borrowed the idea from the Phœnicians or possibly from Egypt.

From Great Inventions and Discoveries by Piercy, Willis Duff

As he had taken possession of the German boat, they were pursuing on the captured bireme other Roman ships that were flying to Arbor.

From A Captive of the Roman Eagles by Dahn, Felix

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