paravane

[ par-uh-veyn ]
/ ˈpær əˌveɪn /

noun

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.

Origin of paravane

First recorded in 1915–20; para-1 + vane

Words nearby paravane

paraumbilical vein, paraurethral duct, paraurethral gland, paravaginitis, paravail, paravane, paravent, paraventricular nucleus, paravertebral, paravertebral ganglion, paravidya

Example sentences from the Web for paravane

  • In some forms of paravane there is a hinged jaw which is operated from the ship to shear the cable.

    Inventions of the Great War |A. 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 War |A. 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-day |Charles W. Domville-Fife

British Dictionary definitions for paravane

paravane
/ (ˈpærəˌveɪn) /

noun

a torpedo-shaped device towed from the bow of a vessel so that the cables will cut the anchors of any moored mines

Word Origin for paravane

C20: from para- ² + vane