salvo

¹

[ sal-voh ]

noun

, plural sal·vos, sal·voes.

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.

salvo

²

[ sal-voh ]

noun

, Archaic.

, plural sal·vos.

1. an excuse or quibbling evasion.
2. something to save a person's reputation or soothe a person's feelings.

salvo

¹

/ 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

salvo

²

/ 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

Salvo

³

/ ˈsælvəʊ /

noun

1. slang.
   a member of the Salvation Army

Word History and Origins

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of salvo¹

C17: from Italian salva, from Old French salve, from Latin salvē! greetings! from salvēre to be in good health, from salvus safe

Origin of salvo²

C17: from such Medieval Latin phrases as salvō iurē the right of keeping safe, from Latin salvus safe

Example Sentences

One salvo of at least six projectiles causes a brush fire near Zahle.

From BBC

But in the latest salvo, the Chino board last month approved a “no deception” policy that requires all employees to “be truthful and honest and not misrepresent, either directly or by omission,” to parents.

From Los Angeles Times

Meanwhile, India's relationship with Canada continues to deteriorate with both Delhi and Ottawa firing a salvo of accusations against each other.

From BBC

Many now see the Hamas attacks of a year ago as the opening salvo of a wider campaign by Israel’s enemies to destroy the Jewish state.

From BBC

The famed Trojan back was in the stadium to announce a lawsuit against the NCAA, an opening salvo in the legal fight to clear his name.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• barrage
• bombardment
• volley