salvo

¹ American  

[sal-voh] / ˈsæl voʊ /

noun

plural

salvos, salvoes

1. a simultaneous or successive discharge of artillery, bombs, etc.

2. a round of fire given as a salute.

3. a round of cheers or applause.

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salvo ² American  

[sal-voh] / ˈsæl voʊ /

noun

Archaic.

plural

salvos

1. an excuse or quibbling evasion.

2. something to save a person's reputation or soothe a person's feelings.

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salvo ¹ British  

/ ˈsælvəʊ /

noun

1. a discharge of fire from weapons in unison, esp on a ceremonial occasion

2. concentrated fire from many weapons, as in a naval battle

3. an outburst, as of applause

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salvo ² British  

/ ˈsælvəʊ /

noun

1. an excuse or evasion

2. an expedient to save a reputation or soothe hurt feelings

3. (in legal documents) a saving clause; reservation

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Salvo ³ British  

/ ˈsælvəʊ /

noun

1. slang a member of the Salvation Army

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Etymology

Origin of salvo¹

1585–95; earlier salva < Italian ≪ Latin salvē salve ³

Origin of salvo²

1635–45; < Latin salvō, ablative of salvus safe, found in legal phrases

Example Sentences

The nasty remark about the hat is just the opening salvo.

From Los Angeles Times

It would allow us to overwhelm our adversaries with large, affordable salvos of weapons that can be built and regenerated quickly.

From The Wall Street Journal

What do you think will be the next salvo in the weight-loss drug wars?

From The Wall Street Journal

This week’s tongue-lashing is the latest salvo in Wilson’s campaign to remake Lululemon’s board.

From The Wall Street Journal

“The market is still of the mind that we are going to see this kind of bluster from the get-go — an opening salvo that’s pretty aggressive,” Melson said.

From MarketWatch

Related Words

• barrage
• bombardment
• volley