fleet

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fleet1 / flēt/ • n. the largest group of naval vessels under one commander, organized for specific tactical or other purposes: an invasion fleet. ∎  (the fleet) a country's navy: the U.S. fleet. ∎  a group of ships sailing together, engaged in the same activity, or under the same ownership: the small port supports a fishing fleet. ∎  a number of ships, vehicles or aircraft operating together or under the same ownership: a fleet of ambulances took the injured to hospital.fleet2 • adj. fast and nimble in movement: a man of advancing years, but fleet of foot.DERIVATIVES: fleet·ly adv.fleet·ness n.fleet3 • n. Brit. a marshland creek, channel, or ditch.fleet4 • v. [intr.] poetic/lit. move or pass quickly: a variety of expressions fleeted across his face time may fleet and youth may fade. ∎  [tr.] pass (time) rapidly. ∎  fade away; be transitory: the cares of boyhood fleet away.

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