Thesaurus: fathom

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1. n. 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.
2. n. The measure or extant of one's capacity; depth, as of intellect; profundity; reach; penetration.
3. v. t. To encompass with the arms extended or encircling; to measure by throwing the arms about; to span.
4. v. t. The measure by a sounding line; especially, to sound the depth of; to penetrate, measure, and comprehend; to get to the bottom of.
5. n. a linear unit of measurement (equal to 6 feet) for water depth
6. n. (mining) a unit of volume (equal to 6 cubic feet) used in measuring bodies of ore
7. v. come to understand
8. v. measure the depth of (a body of water) with a sounding line
9. 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. 2. The measure or extant of one's capacity; depth, as of intellect; profundity; reach; penetration. [R.] Another of his fathom they have none To lead their business. Shak. 1. To encompass with the arms extended or encircling; to measure by throwing the arms about; to span. [Obs.] Purchas. 2. The measure by a sounding line; especially, to sound the depth of; to penetrate, measure, and comprehend; to get to the bottom of. Dryden. The page of life that was spread out before me seemed dull and commonplace, only because I had not fathomed its deeper import. Hawthotne.
10. n:15/v:85 n. a linear unit of measurement (equal to 6 feet) for water depth n. (mining) a unit of volume (equal to 6 cubic feet) used in measuring bodies of ore v. measure the depth of (a body of water) with a sounding line