Definition of "fathom"
- noun
Grasp, envelopment, control.
A measure of length corresponding to the outstretched arms, standardised to six feet, now used mainly for measuring depths in seas or oceans.
Mental reach or scope; penetration; the extent of capacity; depth of thought or contrivance.
- verb
To encircle with outstretched arms, especially to take a measurement; to embrace.
To measure the depth of, take a sounding of.
To get to the bottom of; to manage to comprehend (a problem etc.).
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