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.

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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

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Etymology

Origin of paravane

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

Example Sentences

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

The latter development of the paravane, the "Explosive Paravane" is a much more mechanical proposition.

From Time Magazine Archive

The defensive paravane does not contain any explosive but is simply a hollow metal device somewhat shorter than a torpedo with outrigs and small balancing pontoons on each side.

From Time Magazine Archive

Vernon, N. Y. Paravanes Explained Sirs: There are two distinct types of paravanes, the defensive and the explosive paravane.

From Time Magazine Archive

The only safeguard a ship could carry was a paravane.

From Flag and Fleet How the British Navy Won the Freedom of the Seas by Wood, William Charles Henry