amiral

admiral

noun ah-mee-RAL Rare

Origin: Arabic amir al-bahr, 'commander of the sea'

Usage Note

amiral is the highest naval rank in France. Its plural is irregular: amiraux. The feminine amirale historically referred to an admiral's wife, but now formally designates a female admiral. France's navy, la Marine nationale, uses this rank today.

Examples

"L'amiral a commandé la flotte."

Natural Translation

The admiral commanded the fleet.

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