torpedoman

[ tawr-pee-doh-man, -muhn ]

noun

, plural tor·pe·do·men [tawr-, pee, -doh-men, -m, uh, n].

1. a petty officer or warrant officer responsible for the maintenance, use, and repair of underwater weapons and equipment.

Word History and Origins

Origin of torpedoman¹

An Americanism dating back to 1880–85; torpedo + man

Example Sentences

George Laderbush, of Portsmouth, was a torpedoman’s mate about the USS Flier when it sank after striking a Japanese mine.

From Washington Times

Mr. Holzer said the Iowa managed to maneuver out of the way, and later, when the torpedoman on the destroyer was court-martialed, the president intervened, sparing the sailor a long prison sentence.

From New York Times

Willinsky had gone to torpedoman’s school with two members of the Thresher’s crew.

From Washington Times

After he left Great Lakes, he went to Key West, Florida, for 10 months training as a torpedoman.

From Washington Times

"Weapon in motion," yells Torpedoman's Mate Cody Krollpfeiffer as a hydraulic lift readies a Mark 48 to be jammed into one of the four tubes.

From Los Angeles Times