fath·om /ˈfæðəm/
 長度單位(6尺)(vt.)測量深度,看穿,徹底瞭解(vi.)測深


 Fath·om n.
 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.


 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.]
 2. To measure by a sounding line; especially, to sound the depth of; to penetrate, measure, and comprehend; to get to the bottom of.
    The page of life that was spread out before me seemed dull and commonplace, only because I had not fathomed its deeper import.   --Hawthotne.

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 fathom
      n 1: a linear unit of measurement (equal to 6 feet) for water
           depth [syn: fthm]
      2: (mining) a unit of volume (equal to 6 cubic feet) used in
         measuring bodies of ore [syn: fthm]
      v 1: come to understand [syn: penetrate, bottom]
      2: measure the depth of (a body of water) with a sounding line
         [syn: sound]


 Fathom
    (Old A.S. faethm, "bosom," or the outstretched arms), a span of
    six feet (Acts 27:28). Gr. orguia (from orego, "I stretch"), the
    distance between the extremities of both arms fully stretched
    out.