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View usage for:
corvette
(kɔːʳvet)
Word forms: plural corvettes
countable noun
A corvette is a small fast warship that is used to protect other ships from attack.
corvette in British English
(kɔːˈvɛt)
noun
a lightly armed escort warship
Word origin
C17: from Old French, perhaps from Middle Dutch corf basket, small ship, from Latin corbis basketcorvette in American English
(kɔrˈvɛt)
noun
1.
a former sailing warship larger than a sloop and smaller than a frigate, usually with one tier of guns
2.
a fast warship smaller than a destroyer and used chiefly for convoy duty
Word origin
Fr, prob. < MDu korver, pursuit ship < MLG korf, kind of boat, basket < L corbis, basket: see corbeilImage ofcorvette
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