fathom

¹fath·om

noun \ˈfa-thəm\

Definition of FATHOM

1

: a unit of length equal to six feet (1.83 meters) used especially for measuring the depth of water —sometimes used in the singular when qualified by a number <five fathom deep>

2

: comprehension

Examples of FATHOM

1. The water here is five fathoms deep.

Origin of FATHOM

Middle English fadme, from Old English fæthm outstretched arms, length of the outstretched arms; akin to Old Norse fathmr fathom, Latin patēre to be open, pandere to spread out, Greek petannynai

First Known Use: before 12th century

Other Nautical Terms

avast, aweigh, flotsam, jib, keel, lee, port, starboard, stay