The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word LAUNCHES
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More clues leading to the result LAUNCHES
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The straight part
We know that "fires/r" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case fires/r = launches.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does LAUNCHES mean?
LAUNCHES noun- The movement of a vessel from land into the water; especially, the sliding on ways from the stocks on which it is built. (Compare: to splash a ship.)
- The act or fact of launching (a ship/vessel, a project, a new book, etc.).
- An event held to celebrate the launch of a ship/vessel, project, a new book, etc.; a launch party.
- To throw (a projectile such as a lance, dart or ball); to hurl; to propel with force.
- To pierce with, or as with, a lance.
- To cause (a vessel) to move or slide from the land or a larger vessel into the water; to set afloat.
- To cause (a rocket, balloon, etc., or the payload thereof) to begin its flight upward from the ground.
- To send out; to start (someone) on a mission or project; to give a start to (something); to put in operation
- To start (a program or feature); to execute or bring into operation.
- To release; to put onto the market for sale
- Of a ship, rocket, balloon, etc.: to depart on a voyage; to take off.
- (often with out) To move with force and swiftness like a sliding from the stocks into the water; to plunge; to begin.
- (of a program) To start to operate.
- The boat of the largest size and/or of most importance belonging to a ship of war, and often called the "captain's boat" or "captain's launch".
- A boat used to convey guests to and from a yacht.
- An open boat of any size powered by steam, petrol, electricity, etc.