ScienceJuly 17, 2026

salvo

/ˈsæl.voʊ/

Definition

A sudden, vigorous, or aggressive initial act, statement, or attack made as part of a larger ongoing conflict.

Etymology

Derived from the Italian word 'salva,' meaning 'a volley' or 'simultaneous discharge.' It originally referred to the firing of multiple artillery pieces at once, eventually evolving to describe any sudden, concentrated outburst or opening move in a metaphorical struggle.

In the news

In this article, the word describes a new administrative proposal that acts as the latest aggressive maneuver in the government's ongoing 'culture war' against scientific institutions. It highlights that this specific regulation is just one of many hostile actions taken in that broader conflict.

The war on ‘woke science’ comes for space research

Read the full article ↗

The Verge

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