Fathom

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Fathom

A fathom is a unit of length in the imperial system and the United States customary units used especially for measuring the depth of water. The international standard length of a fathom is defined as 6 feet (1.8288 meters).

Etymology

The word "fathom" derives from the Old English word "fæðm," which means "embracing arms" or "a pair of outstretched arms." This reflects the original use of the term to measure the span of a person's outstretched arms.

History

The fathom has been used since ancient times by sailors and mariners to measure the depth of water. It was a practical unit of measurement because it could be easily estimated by the span of a person's arms. The use of the fathom became standardized over time, particularly with the advent of more precise navigation and mapping techniques.

Usage

Fathoms are primarily used in nautical contexts to measure the depth of water. Depths are often given in fathoms on nautical charts and by depth sounders. For example, a depth of 30 feet would be expressed as 5 fathoms.

Conversion

One fathom is equal to:

• 6 feet
• 1.8288 meters
• 72 inches

Related Units

• Foot
• Meter
• Inch

Modern Applications

While the fathom is still used in nautical contexts, it has largely been replaced by the meter in scientific and international contexts. However, it remains a common unit of measurement in the maritime industry, particularly in the United States and the United Kingdom.

See Also

• Nautical mile
• Depth sounding
• Imperial units
• United States customary units