paravane

[ par-uh-veyn ]

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

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of paravane¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of paravane¹

C20: from para- ² + vane

Example Sentences

A careful study of Fig. 30 will show how this is prevented by the deflecting wires of the paravane.

From Project Gutenberg

In some forms of paravane there is a hinged jaw which is operated from the ship to shear the cable.

From Project Gutenberg

The mine cable slides along the paravane cable and in this way is carried clear of the ship's hull.

From Project Gutenberg