Crossword Genius

Vessel shooting across the waves? (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

gunboat

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'vessel' is the definition.
(gunboat is a kind of vessel)

I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for gunboat that I've seen before include "Vessel (involved in a type of diplomacy?)" , "Military vessel" , "Coastal warship" , "Not a bug (anag)" , "Naval symbol of aggression" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times and the Financial Times.
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