paravane

American  

[par-uh-veyn] / ˈpær əˌveɪn /

noun

1. an underwater defensive device against mines, consisting of a pair of torpedo-shaped vanes towed at the bow of a ship, usually a minesweeper, by cables that can cut the cable of a moored mine, causing the mine to rise to the surface, where it can be destroyed or removed from the water.

---

paravane British  

/ ˈpærəˌveɪn /

noun

1. a torpedo-shaped device towed from the bow of a vessel so that the cables will cut the anchors of any moored mines

---

Etymology

Origin of paravane

First recorded in 1915–20; para- ¹ + vane

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

paravane

More of the white hull and the anchor came into view, followed by the paravane, a long pole used to snare mines.

From BBC ● Dec. 29, 2014

One defensive paravane is carried on each side of the vessel.

From Time Magazine Archive

The paravane is fitted with a horizontal rudder and is towed astern of a fast destroyer.

From Time Magazine Archive

Upon encountering the anchor chain of a submerged mine or the hull of a submarine, the cable draws the paravane into contact.

From Time Magazine Archive

In such a case it would slide down the deflecting wire towards the paravane, where the mooring would be cut and the mine would float to the surface.

From Submarine Warfare of To-day How the Submarine Menace was Met and Vanquished, With Descriptions of the Inventions and Devices Used, Fast Boats, Mystery Ships by Domville-Fife, Charles W. (Charles William)