CORVETTE Meaning and
Definition
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Corvette is a noun that refers to a type of fast warship that is relatively small and highly maneuverable. Historically, corvettes were commonly employed by navies for various purposes such as convoy escort, coastal patrol, and anti-submarine warfare.
In terms of physical characteristics, a corvette typically exhibits a streamlined design, with a length ranging from approximately 150 to 350 feet (about 45 to 105 meters). They generally have a single gun deck and a low freeboard, which is the distance from the waterline to the main deck of the ship. This design facilitates their agility and enables them to navigate swiftly through coastal waters.
Corvettes are often armed with a combination of weaponry such as torpedoes, depth charges, and guns, which are strategically positioned on the ship. These armaments allow corvettes to effectively engage enemy submarines, surface vessels, and aircraft.
In contemporary usage, corvettes have evolved and, in addition to their military applications, can also serve various civilian purposes. There are now luxury sports cars named "corvettes" as well, which are fast, two-seater automobiles known for their sleek design and impressive performance.
Overall, corvette, whether referring to a naval vessel or an automobile, characterizes an entity that embodies speed, maneuverability, and, at times, a level of luxury or refinement.
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A sloop of war; a war-ship carrying not more than 20 guns.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for CORVETTE *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for CORVETTE
Etymology of CORVETTE
The word "corvette" has a complex etymology, deriving from multiple sources throughout history.
Originally, the term "corvette" referred to a fast sailing warship with a single deck and multiple ships of oars. This usage emerged in the late 17th century and early 18th century, primarily in European navies like the British Royal Navy and the French Navy.
The word "corvette" itself can be traced back to the French word "corvet", which meant a small, fast ship. Its root is believed to be from the Dutch word "korver", meaning a fast, light ship.
However, the French term "corvet" was influenced by earlier Mediterranean vessels known as "corbari" or "corvettes". These were small, maneuverable, two-masted ships used for various purposes, including patrolling and coastal defense.
Similar spelling words for CORVETTE
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