noun

• That which destroys something.
• (military, historical) A small, fast warship with light gun armament, smaller than a cruiser, but bigger than a frigate.
• (military) A larger warship with guided missile armament, usually intended for air defence or anti-ship roles. Often, but not always, larger than a frigate and smaller than a cruiser.
• (science fiction, by extension) A starship of comparable role.