fathometer

/'fæθəmi:tə/

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Word: Fathometer

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition: A fathometer is a device used to measure the depth of water or to find submerged objects. It works by sending ultrasound waves down into the water. When these sound waves hit the bottom or an object, they bounce back, and the fathometer calculates how deep the water is based on how long it takes for the sound to return.

Usage Instructions:

• Basic Use: You can use "fathometer" when talking about marine activities, such as fishing, boating, or scientific research. It’s commonly used in contexts where measuring depth is important.

Example Sentence:

• "The fishermen used the fathometer to find the best spots to catch fish by measuring how deep the water was."

Advanced Usage:

• In scientific research, a fathometer can be crucial for mapping underwater landscapes or studying marine ecosystems, helping researchers understand the depth variations in oceans or lakes.

Word Variants:

• Fathometry (noun): The process or technique of measuring depth using a fathometer.
• Fathometric (adjective): Relating to the measurement of depth.

Different Meaning:

While "fathometer" specifically refers to a depth-measuring device, the root word "fathom" can also mean to understand something deeply. For example, "I cannot fathom why he made that decision," means "I cannot understand why he made that decision."

Synonyms:

• Depth sounder
• Echo sounder
• Sonar (in broader contexts)

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly related to "fathometer," but you might encounter phrases like "to fathom out" which means to understand something after much thought.

Summary:

A fathometer is an important tool in marine activities for measuring water depth. It uses sound waves, making it a reliable instrument for fishermen, researchers, and navigators.

Academic

Noun

1. depth finder for determining depth of water or a submerged object by means of ultrasound waves

Synonyms

• sonic depth finder