salvo

¹

[ sal-voh ]

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.

salvo

²

[ sal-voh ]

noun

Archaic.

plural salvos.

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. slang.
   a member of the Salvation Army

salvo

²

/ 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

³

/ 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

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

But with billions in the balance, the battle for the higher ground may just be the opening salvo in a war of attrition between the federal government and higher education.

From BBC

The firings mark the latest salvo in Trump’s long-simmering antipathy toward the National Security Council, which was fueled in part by a spat with former NSC staffer and whistleblower Alexander Vindman.

From Salon

That is unlikely to mitigate the overall negative growth impact of Trump's salvo though.

From BBC

Beijing has also been on the receiving end of other Trump trade salvos.

From BBC

Mayor Matt Mahan’s proposal to jail people if they reject three offers of shelter is the latest salvo in an anti-encampment crusade sweeping the Bay Area.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• barrage
• bombardment
• volley