Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

fathometer

Noun

/ˈfæθ.əˌmɪ.tər/

Definition

A fathometer is a device used to measure the depth of water by determining how deep it is below the surface.

Examples

The ship’s fathometer indicated that the water was 150 fathoms deep.
During the fishing trip, the crew relied on the fathometer to avoid underwater obstacles.
Using a fathometer can help sailors navigate to safer waters.

Meaning

The term ‘fathometer’ combines ‘fathom’, which is a unit of measurement for depth, particularly in nautical contexts, and ‘meter’, indicating measurement. Hence, it specializes in measuring how deep water is, often used in maritime navigation.