minecraft
nounEtymology From mine + -craft.
1
A warship which lays naval mines.
- Each was marked by lighted dan buoys spaced at one-mile intervals, laid by Fairmile motor launches of the Royal Navy, which followed immediately behind the minecraft.1962, Samuel Eliot Morison, History of United States Naval Operation in World War II, page 79:
- By the end of May 8 the Japanese had lost one light carrier, a destroyer and several minecrafts. One large carrier had to be retired from the battle and sent home for repairs. The U.S. losses included one destroyer and an oiler, ...1971, Bruce Bahrenburg, The Pacific: then and now, page 96:
2 more examples
- In reality, the ship was named (on 3 July 1990) along with several other MCMs to "commemorate the service of World War II minecraft that saw significant service."2005, Norman Polmar, Naval Institute Guide to the Ships and Aircraft of the U.S. Fleet, →ISBN, page 231:
- I had finally joined "the big boys" on a ship other than one called a craft . . . landing crafts or minecrafts. Now, after serving only 71 days, I was being booted off my first warship.2005, Bill Pink, The first ten years, page 221: