Torpedo (petroleum) definition

noun

(1) Any sluggish bottom-dwelling ray of the order Torpediniformes having a rounded body and electric organs on each side of the head capable of emitting strong electric discharges

(2) Armament consisting of a long cylindrical self-propelled underwater projectile that detonates on contact with a target

(3) A small explosive device that is placed on a railroad track and fires when a train runs over it; the sound of the explosion warns the engineer of danger ahead

(4) A small firework that consists of a percussion cap and some gravel wrapped in paper; explodes when thrown forcefully against a hard surface

(5) An explosive device that is set off in an oil well (or a gas well) to start or to increase the flow of oil (or gas)

(6) A large sandwich made of a long crusty roll split lengthwise and filled with meats and cheese (and tomato and onion and lettuce and condiments); different names are used in different sections of the United States

(7) A professional killer who uses a gun

verb

(8) Attack or hit with torpedoes