n. | 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. | |
v. t. | 1. | To encompass with the arms extended or encircling; to measure by throwing the arms about; to span. |
2. | To measure by a sounding line; especially, to sound the depth of; to penetrate, measure, and comprehend; to get to the bottom of. |
Noun | 1. | fathom - a linear unit of measurement (equal to 6 feet) for water depth Synonyms: fthm |
2. | fathom - (mining) a unit of volume (equal to 6 cubic feet) used in measuring bodies of ore Synonyms: fthm | |
Verb | 1. | fathom - come to understand |
2. | fathom - measure the depth of (a body of water) with a sounding line Synonyms: sound |