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Word: fathom (lookup usage) (lookup stats)


Meaning:

Noun:

  • nautical A measure of length corresponding to the outstretched arms, standardised to six feet, now used mainly for measuring depths in seas or oceans.
  • obsolete Grasp, envelopment, control.

Source: Wiktionary | Src Info »

Verb:

  • archaic To encircle with outstretched arms, especially to take a measurement; to embrace.
  • figuratively To get to the bottom of; to manage to comprehend (a problem etc.).
  • transitive To measure the depth of, take a sounding of.

Source: Wiktionary | Src Info »