admiral

noun

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.
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.
7. (historical)Synonym of flagship: an admiral's ship in a fleet, the command or largest ship in a naval or commercial fleet.
8. (historical, uncommon)Synonym of emir, a Muslim commander or prince.

   “The Saracen admiral, Balán... held court in the Castillo de Aguas Muertas...”

9. (obsolete)Any of several varieties of pear, the trees which produce them.
10. (alt-of)Alternative letter-case form of admiral in its various senses.

    “I have the orders ready, Admiral.”

    “Admiral Yi was one of the greatest naval officers in history and is still a beloved Korean hero.”

    “[F]ive-year-old Loren Devine of Indianapolis dispatched a letter to Admiral Smith . . . “Dear Admiral, why can’t you make the old Mo sail? Can’t you fix that wreck in the bottom? Look the ship over and see if there are any holes and cracks and then write me a letter if you can make er^([sic]) sail. I’m worried about it.” Both Admirals Smith and Wallin answered Loren’s letter, and sent him a complete set of diagrams showing how the salvage job was done.”