fathom
Phonetic spelling unavailable
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Meaning
v
(transitive) (figurative) Often followed by out: to deeply understand (someone or something); to get to the bottom of.
n
An internationally standardized version of this unit, the international fathom (= 1.8288 metres = 6 feet).
n
(nautical, US) A measure of distance to shore: the nearest point to shore at which the water depth is the value quoted.
v
(transitive) (also figurative) To measure the depth of (water); to take a sounding of; to sound.
v
(intransitive) To measure a depth; to sound.