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 result is a paravane stabilizing system so unobtrusive�yet helpful�that you really don�t give it a second thought.

From Time Magazine Archive

Should the mine strike the absolute stem of the vessel the paravane will not be of much use.

From Time Magazine Archive

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

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)