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Trireme: meaning, definitions and examples

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trireme

 

[ ˈtraɪriːm ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

ancient ship

A trireme is an ancient type of warship that was used by maritime powers such as the ancient Greeks and Romans. Characterized by its three rows of oars on each side, the trireme was designed for speed and maneuverability. This vessel played a crucial role in naval warfare during antiquity, allowing for swift assaults and retreats. Triremes were typically manned by a crew of skilled rowers and were often equipped with a bronze ram to break enemy ships. Their tactical use in battles significantly influenced the outcomes of many historic confrontations on the seas.

Synonyms

ancient vessel, galley, warship

Examples of usage

  • The Athenian navy relied heavily on triremes during the Peloponnesian War.
  • Triremes were known for their speed and agility in naval battles.
  • In ancient times, triremes were a symbol of naval power.
  • Modern historians study triremes to understand ancient military tactics.

Translations

Translations of the word "trireme" in other languages:

🇵🇹 trirreme

🇮🇳 त्रिरेम

🇩🇪 Triere

🇮🇩 trireme

🇺🇦 трієр

🇵🇱 trirem

🇯🇵 三段櫂船

🇫🇷 trirème

🇪🇸 trirreme

🇹🇷 trireme

🇰🇷 삼단 노선

🇸🇦 تريريم

🇨🇿 triréma

🇸🇰 triréma

🇨🇳 三层划船

🇸🇮 trirema

🇮🇸 trireme

🇰🇿 триер

🇬🇪 ტრირემე

🇦🇿 trireme

🇲🇽 trirreme

Etymology

The term 'trireme' originates from the Latin word 'triremis', which is derived from the Greek 'triremes' (τρῖτες ἔμβολα), meaning 'three (tri) banks of oars (remes)'. Triremes were developed in the 7th century BC and reached their zenith in the 5th century BC, notably in the Mediterranean region. They played a pivotal role in various naval battles, including the famous Battle of Salamis in 480 BC, where the Greek fleet defeated the Persian navy. The innovative design of the trireme, which included a narrow hull and a lightweight construction, allowed for greater speed and maneuverability compared to earlier ships. The construction techniques and the societal organization required to build and man these vessels reflect the advanced maritime culture of ancient civilizations. Over time, triremes influenced the design of later ships, embodying the evolution of naval technology.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,182, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.