1. A linear unit of measurement (equal to 6 feet) for water depth
   "The ship anchored in waters 10 fathoms deep";
   - fthm
    
2. (mining) a unit of volume (equal to 6 cubic feet) used in measuring bodies of ore
   "The miners estimated the yield in fathoms of ore";
   - fthm

1. Come to understand
   "She fathomed the true meaning of the poem";
   - penetrate, bottom
    
2. Measure the depth of (a body of water) with a sounding line
   "The sailors fathomed the harbour to ensure safe passage";
   - sound

Derived forms: fathomed, fathoming, fathoms

Type of: capacity measure, capacity unit, cubage unit, cubature unit, cubic content unit, cubic measure, displacement unit, linear measure, linear unit, measure, quantify, quantitate, understand, volume unit

Encyclopedia: Fathom