Plural of torpedo: self-propelled underwater weapons fired from submarines or ships, or historically, a type of explosion device used in mines.
From Spanish 'torpedo' and Latin 'torpedus' meaning 'numb' or 'sluggish,' named after the electric ray fish (which can paralyze prey). The weapon adopted this name because it struck suddenly and numbingly.
The electric ray inspired the name because it's a silent killer—both the fish and the weapon arrive invisibly and deliver a paralyzing shock, which is exactly the element of surprise navies wanted in underwater combat.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.