admirals

Noun

admiral (plural admirals)

1. (informal) The commander of a naval squadron or fleet, regardless of formal rank.
2. The appointed commander of a navy, regardless of formal title.
3. A high rank in the British and American Navies, NATO grade OF-9, equivalent ranks in other navies, in coast guards, etc.
   • ... from my experience in Ours as well as from my former intimacy with many Officers of Note in the British Navy, I am convinced that the Parity of Rank between Sea & land or Marine Officers, is of more consequence to the harmony of the Service, than hath generally been imagined. — in the British...1776 September 4, John Paul Jones, letter to Robert Morris
4. The commander of a fishing or merchant fleet, particularly (historical, Canada) a captain granted special privileges in exchange for bringing the first ship of a given fishing season to certain harbors in Newfoundland.
5. Any of several species of nymphalid butterflies of the genera Kaniska, Limenitis and Vanessa.
6. The shell of the Conus ammiralis; the cone shells of various other species displaying similarly intricate banding.

See all 9 meanings of admiral