admiral

The commander of a naval squadron or fleet, regardless of formal rank.informal

The appointed commander of a navy, regardless of formal title.

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 Ser
• He has appealed to the navies of Europe to prove, that we ought to have Admirals; then, of course he is willing, or at least ought to be so, to let their rules govern in promoting to that grade. The general principle which governs the navie

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.

Any of several species of nymphalid butterflies of the genera Kaniska, Limenitis and Vanessa.

The shell of the Conus ammiralis; the cone shells of various other species displaying similarly intricate banding.

Synonym of flagship: an admiral's ship in a fleet, the command or largest ship in a naval or commercial fleet.historical

Synonym of emir, a Muslim commander or prince.historicaluncommon

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

Any of several varieties of pear, the trees which produce them.obsolete