the tube from which a torpedo is discharged from submarines or surface ships
torpedo tube in American English
a tube for launching torpedoes, located in surface vessels below or close to the waterline
torpedo tube in American English
noun
a tube through which a self-propelled torpedo is launched, usually by the explosion of a charge of powder
Word origin
[1895–1900]This word is first recorded in the period 1895–1900. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: apothecaries' measure, cutback, freewheel, hit-and-run, slapstick
Examples of 'torpedo tube' in a sentence
torpedo tube
The submarine has a conning tower and torpedo tubes.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
The drones would be released by a submarine rather than being fired from torpedo tubes.
Times, Sunday Times (2018)
All bunk beds are now taken but a limited amount of 'scramble' spaces are still available in the torpedo tubes on a first-come, first-served basis.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
As well as all the hatches being closed, the vessel's torpedo tubes are sealed and intact.