fathom
['fæðəm]
n. 英(单位,合6英尺)

vt. 测深, 看穿, 彻底解

vi. 测深

[] 英(深单位,=1/82886英尺)

1. The ship sank in four fathoms.
   船沉英。
2. I cannot fathom his meaning.
   彻底解意。
3. He dipped the stick into the water to fathom its depth.
   把棍浸, 试探深。

fathom
[ noun ]

1. a linear unit of measurement (equal to 6 feet) for water depth

<noun.quantity>

2. (mining) a unit of volume (equal to 6 cubic feet) used in measuring bodies of ore

<noun.quantity>

[ verb ]

1. come to understand

<verb.cognition> bottom penetrate

2. measure the depth of (a body of water) with a sounding line

<verb.change> sound

Fathom \Fath"om\ (f[a^][th]"[u^]m), n. [OE. fadme, fa[eth]me,
AS. f[ae][eth]m fathom, the embracing arms; akin to OS.
fa[eth]mos the outstretched arms, D. vadem, vaam, fathom,
OHG. fadom, fadum, G. faden fathom, thread, Icel. fa[eth]mr
fathom, Sw. famn, Dan. favn; cf. Gr. ?????????? to spread
out, ??????? outspread, flat, L. patere to lie open, extend.
Cf. {Patent}, {Petal}.]
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.


Fathom \Fath"om\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Fathomed}; p. pr. & vb.
n. {Fathoming}.]
1. To encompass with the arms extended or encircling; to
measure by throwing the arms about; to span. [Obs.]
--Purchas.

2. To 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.