— fathomable , adj. — fathomer , n.
/fadh"euhm/ , n. , pl. fathoms , ( esp. collectively ) fathom , v.
n.
1. a unit of length equal to six feet (1.8 meters): used chiefly in nautical measurements. Abbr.: fath
v.t.
2. to measure the depth of by means of a sounding line; sound.
3. to penetrate to the truth of; comprehend; understand: to fathom someone's motives.
[ bef. 900; ME fathme, OE faethm span of outstretched arms; c. G Faden six-foot measure, ON fathmr; akin to PATENT ]