Defn: A broad stern without overhang, flattened on the bottom, used in some torpedo and fast power boats. It prevents settling in the water at high speed.
TORPEDO TUBE
Torpedo tube. (Nav.)
Defn: A tube fixed below or near the water line through which a torpedo is fired, usually by a small charge of gunpowder. On torpedo vessels the tubes are on deck and usually in broadside, on larger vessels usually submerged in broadside and fitted with a movable shield which is pushed out from the vessel's side to protect the torpedo until clear, but formerly sometimes in the bow. In submarine torpedo boats they are in the bow.
TORPENT
Tor"pent, a. Etym: [L. torpens, p. pr. of torpere to be numb.]
Defn: Having no motion or activity; incapable of motion; benumbed; torpid. [Obs.] Evelyn.
TORPESCENCE
Tor*pes"cence, n.
Defn: The quality or state or being torpescent; torpidness; numbness; stupidity.
TORPESCENT Tor*pes"cent, a. Etym: [L. torpescens, p. pr. of torpescere to grow stiff, numb, or torpid, incho. fr. torpere. See Torpid.]
Defn: Becoming torpid or numb. Shenstone.
TORPID Tor"pid, a. Etym: [L. torpidus, fr. torpere to be stiff, numb, or torpid; of uncertain origin.]