What is the meaning of Fathom?

A man's armspan, generally reckoned to be six feet (about 1.8 metres). Later used to measure the depth of water, but now generally replaced by the metre outside American usage.

A measure of distance to shore: the nearest point to shore at which the water depth is the value quoted.

  1. An unspecified depth.
  2. Depth of insight; mental reach or scope.

An unspecified depth.

Depth of insight; mental reach or scope.

  1. The act of stretching out one's arms away from the sides of the torso so that they make a straight line perpendicular to the body.
  2. Someone or something that is embraced.
  3. Control, grasp.

The act of stretching out one's arms away from the sides of the torso so that they make a straight line perpendicular to the body.

Someone or something that is embraced.

Control, grasp.

  1. To measure the depth of (water); to take a sounding of; to sound.
  2. To encircle (someone or something) with outstretched arms; specifically, to measure the circumference or length of something.
  3. Often followed by out: to deeply understand (someone or something); to get to the bottom of.

    To measure the depth of (water); to take a sounding of; to sound.

    To encircle (someone or something) with outstretched arms; specifically, to measure the circumference or length of something.

    Often followed by out: to deeply understand (someone or something); to get to the bottom of.

    To embrace (someone or something).

    1. To measure a depth; to sound.
    2. To conduct an examination or inquiry; to investigate.

    To measure a depth; to sound.

    To conduct an examination or inquiry; to investigate.

    Source: wiktionary.org