fathom

²fathom

verb

Definition of FATHOM

intransitive verb

1

: probe

2

: to take soundings

transitive verb

1

: to measure by a sounding line

2

: to penetrate and come to understand <couldn't fathom the problem>

— fath·om·able \ˈfa-thə-mə-bəl\ adjective

Examples of FATHOM

1. <the pilot had to continually fathom the river, which drought conditions had lowered to unprecedented levels>

First Known Use of FATHOM

1607

Related to FATHOM

Synonyms: ²sound, plumb

Related Words: gauge (also gage), scale, span; remeasure, replumb

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