'Fathom' definitions:

Definition of 'fathom'

From: WordNet
noun
A linear unit of measurement (equal to 6 feet) for water depth [syn: fathom, fthm]
noun
(mining) a unit of volume (equal to 6 cubic feet) used in measuring bodies of ore [syn: fathom, fthm]
verb
Come to understand [syn: penetrate, fathom, bottom]
verb
Measure the depth of (a body of water) with a sounding line [syn: fathom, sound]

Definition of 'Fathom'

From: GCIDE
  • Fathom \Fath"om\ (f[a^][th]"[u^]m), n. [OE. fadme, fa[eth]me, AS. f[ae][eth]m fathom, the embracing arms; akin to OS. fa[eth]mos the outstretched arms, D. vadem, vaam, fathom, OHG. fadom, fadum, G. faden fathom, thread, Icel. fa[eth]mr 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. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. The measure or extant of one's capacity; depth, as of intellect; profundity; reach; penetration. [R.] [1913 Webster]
  • Another of his fathom they have none To lead their business. --Shak. [1913 Webster]

Definition of 'Fathom'

From: GCIDE
  • Fathom \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. [1913 Webster]
  • 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. [1913 Webster]
  • The page of life that was spread out before me seemed dull and commonplace, only because I had not fathomed its deeper import. --Hawthotne. [1913 Webster]

Definition of 'Fathom'

From: Easton
  • Fathom (Old A.S. faethm, "bosom," or the outstretched arms), a span of six feet (Acts 27:28). Gr. orguia (from orego, "I stretch"), the distance between the extremities of both arms fully stretched out.

Synonyms of 'fathom'

From: Moby Thesaurus

Words containing 'Fathom'