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

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

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

While the ballast was essential to our comfort that night, Leishman also pointed out the importance of the paravane stabilizers.

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