torpēdo, ĭnis, f. [torpeo], stiffness, numbness, inflexibility, sluggishness, torpidity.
- I. Lit. (rare; not in Cic. or Cæs.; syn. torpor): inertia atque torpedo plus detrimenti facit quam exercitio, Cato ap. Gell. 11, 2, 6: occupavit nescio qua vos torpedo, qua non gloria movemini neque flagitio, Sall. H. 3, 61, 26 Dietsch: si tanta torpedo animos obrepsit, ut, etc., id. ib. 1, 48, 19 ib.: tanta torpedo invaserat animum, ut, etc., Tac. H. 3, 63.
- II. Transf., the torpedo, crampfish, or electric ray: Raia torpedo, Linn.; Varr. L. L. 5, § 77 Müll.; Cic. N. D. 2, 50, 127; Plin. 9, 42, 67, § 143; 32, 1, 2, § 7.