bireme

[ bahy-reem ]

/ ˈbaɪ rim /

a galley having two banks or tiers of oars.

Origin of bireme

1590–1600; < Latin birēmis two-oared, having two banks of oars ( bi- bi-¹ + rēm(us) oar + -is adj. suffix)

It is probable that the Greeks did not originate the bireme, but borrowed the idea from the Phœnicians or possibly from Egypt.

Great Inventions and Discoveries |Willis Duff Piercy
This is proved by another illustration of a bireme on the same vase, in which the steering oars are clearly seen.

Ancient and Modern Ships. |George C. V. Holmes
In Appendix, p. 157, will be found an account of an eighth-century Greek bireme, recently discovered.

Ancient and Modern Ships. |George C. V. Holmes
The large figures at the stern seem to point to the bireme of Fig. 74 being about to be used for racing purposes.

Ancient and Modern Ships. |George C. V. Holmes

This Greek bireme, with its shallow hull and lofty, open superstructure, could hardy have been a seaworthy vessel.

Ancient and Modern Ships. |George C. V. Holmes

bireme

/ (ˈbaɪriːm) /

an ancient galley having two banks of oars

C17: from Latin birēmus, from bi- 1 + -rēmus oar