paravane
[par-uh-veyn]
- 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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Origin of paravane
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for paravane
Historical Examples
In some forms of paravane there is a hinged jaw which is operated from the ship to shear the cable.
Inventions of the Great WarA. Russell (Alexander Russell) Bond
The mine cable slides along the paravane cable and in this way is carried clear of the ship's hull.
Inventions of the Great WarA. Russell (Alexander Russell) Bond
A careful study of Fig. 30 will show how this is prevented by the deflecting wires of the paravane.
Submarine Warfare of To-dayCharles W. Domville-Fife
paravane
- 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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Word Origin
C20: from para- ² + vane
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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