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Frigate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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frigate

[หˆfrษชษกษ™t ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

military ship

A frigate is a type of warship that is designed for fleet operations. It is generally smaller than a destroyer and larger than a corvette. Frigates are built to be fast and maneuverable, often equipped with advanced weapon systems for anti-air and anti-submarine warfare. These ships play a vital role in protecting larger vessels and are often used in escort and patrol missions.

Synonyms

destroyer, escort, warship.

Examples of usage

  • The navy deployed several frigates to monitor the coastline.
  • Frigates are essential in anti-piracy operations.
  • The new class of frigates boasts cutting-edge technology.
Context #2 | Noun

bird species

The term frigate also refers to a large bird belonging to the family Fregatidae. These birds are known for their distinctive large wings, long tails, and striking to dark plumage. Frigates are skilled fliers and can soar for long durations without flapping their wings. They are often found in tropical and subtropical regions and are known for their aggressive feeding behavior, often stealing food from other birds.

Synonyms

flying gannet, man-o-war bird.

Examples of usage

  • Frigates can often be seen gliding above the ocean.
  • The male frigate displays its red throat pouch during mating season.
  • These birds are known for their aerial agility.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Significance

  • Frigates played a crucial role during naval wars, especially from the 17th century onward, due to their speed and maneuverability.
  • Many famous naval battles featured frigates because they could quickly outmaneuver larger, slower ships.

Naval Architecture

  • Modern frigates are equipped with advanced technology, allowing for anti-aircraft and anti-submarine warfare.
  • Unlike older frigates, today's models often have stealth capabilities, making them harder for enemies to detect.

Pop Culture

  • Frigates appear in various works of literature and film, often representing themes of exploration and adventure on the high seas.
  • In video games, these ships are often depicted as agile vessels, emphasizing their role in naval strategy.

Science

  • The study of naval frigates involves marine engineering, focusing on how designs adapt to different challenges like speed and combat.
  • Naval frigates have spurred advancements in materials and technology, influencing other fields like aerospace engineering.

Origin of 'frigate'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'frigate' comes from the Italian word 'frigata', which means 'to make swift', highlighting its speed.
  • Historically, the term evolved in the 15th century to describe a type of warship that was smaller than a ship of the line but more agile.

The word 'frigate' has its roots in the Middle French term 'frรฉgate', which in turn comes from the Italian word 'fragata', meaning a ship or vessel. This Italian term may derive from the Latin word 'fragere', meaning to break, reflecting perhaps the ship's ability to break through waves with speed and agility. Originally, frigates were understood to be vessels in the Mediterranean Sea that fought against pirates. They evolved in design and function over the centuries, particularly during the Age of Sail, where they were classified as warships that could be used for a variety of naval operations. The term has also been adopted in ornithology, where it describes a family of seabirds known for their incredible flying abilities. The dual meaningsโ€”both in naval and avian contextsโ€”have allowed the term โ€˜frigateโ€™ to persist in modern English lexicon throughout naval history and ornithological studies.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,156, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.