noun a measure of depth of water, equal to 6 feet or 1.8 metres ○ The ship sank in fifty fathoms of water. ■ verb □ to fathom something or someone out to understand something or someone mysterious ○ I can’t fathom him out. ○ They can’t fathom out how the car came to be in the river.
fath´om
(fath´um), n. [OE. fadme, faðme, AS. faeðm fathom, the embracing arms; akin to OS. faðmos the outstretched arms, D. vadem, vaam, fathom, OHG. fadom, fadum, G. faden fathom, thread, Icel. faðmr fathom, Sw. famn, Dan. favn; cf. Gr. to spread out, outspread, flat, L. patere to lie open, extend. Cf. Patent, Petal.]
1. A measure of length, containing six feet; the space to which a man can extend his arms; — used chiefly in measuring cables, cordage, and the depth of navigable water by soundings.
2. The measure or extant of one’s capacity; depth, as of intellect; profundity; reach; penetration. [R.] “Another of his fathom they have none
To lead their business.” Shak.
1. A measure of length, containing six feet; the space to which a man can extend his arms; — used chiefly in measuring cables, cordage, and the depth of navigable water by soundings.
2. The measure or extant of one’s capacity; depth, as of intellect; profundity; reach; penetration. [R.] “Another of his fathom they have none
To lead their business.” Shak.
fath´om
v. t. [imp. & p. p. Fathomed p. pr. & vb. n. Fathoming.]
1. To encompass with the arms extended or encircling; to measure by throwing the arms about; to span. [Obs.] Purchas.
2. To measure by a sounding line; especially, to sound the depth of; to penetrate, measure, and comprehend; to get to the bottom of. Dryden. “The page of life that was spread out before me seemed dull and commonplace, only because I had not fathomed its deeper import.” Hawthotne.
1. To encompass with the arms extended or encircling; to measure by throwing the arms about; to span. [Obs.] Purchas.
2. To measure by a sounding line; especially, to sound the depth of; to penetrate, measure, and comprehend; to get to the bottom of. Dryden. “The page of life that was spread out before me seemed dull and commonplace, only because I had not fathomed its deeper import.” Hawthotne.
Meaning of “fathom” in English language – noun a measure of depth of water, equal...
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