trireme

[ trahy-reem ]

noun

, Classical History.

1. a galley with three rows or tiers of oars on each side, one above another, used chiefly as a warship.

trireme

/ ˈtraɪriːm /

noun

1. a galley, developed by the ancient Greeks as a warship, with three banks of oars on each side

Word History and Origins

Origin of trireme¹

1595–1605; < Latin trirēmis having three banks of oars, equivalent to tri- tri- + rēm ( us ) oar + -is adj. suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of trireme¹

C17: from Latin trirēmis , from tri- + rēmus oar

Example Sentences

In the distance, Greek triremes floated on Long Island Sound, prepped for war.

From Literature

The work of political philosophy belongs to, yes, the candidates, but mainly the nerds of academia, think tanks and journalists, pulling their oars on the triremes of policy.

From Fox News

Visitors do all the rowing on the Olympias’ two-hour-long public trips, conducted near Salamis island where, in 480 B.C., outnumbered Athenian triremes vanquished a Persian armada in one of the world’s most famous sea engagements.

From Washington Times

New technologies of destruction have appeared throughout history, from the trireme and gunpowder in past centuries to biological and nuclear weapons in more modern times.

From New York Times

Greek triremes sank his ships at Salamis, and Xerxes fled back across the Hellespont, abandoning his army to destruction.

From Wall Street Journal