minesweeper
minesweeper Lexical Profile
minesweeper Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A single-player logic puzzle video game in which the player deduces the locations of hidden mines on a grid using numerical clues indicating adjacent hazards.
"She passed the time on her train commute by solving a difficult board of minesweeper on her laptop."
A naval vessel specially designed and equipped to detect, neutralize, or clear underwater explosive mines to keep sea lanes and harbors safe for navigation.
"The retired naval minesweeper was converted into a maritime museum docked at the historic harbor."
A specialized vehicle, mechanical roller, or electronic device used on land to detect and clear buried explosive mines.
"Engineers operated a remote-controlled minesweeper to make the agricultural fields safe for local farmers."
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Coined in the early 20th century as a compound of 'mine' (in the sense of a submerged explosive device) and 'sweeper' (from the Old English 'swapan', meaning to brush or clear away), originally referring to naval vessels equipped to clear sea lanes during World War I.