Definition

Noun: - A nautical unit of measurement for depth, equal to one-tenth of a nautical mile (approximately 185.2 meters or 607.6 feet). It is primarily used in maritime contexts for measuring water depth, anchor chain lengths, or short distances at sea.

Usage

This term is used as a countable noun to specify a maritime distance or depth. - The ship anchored in about five cable lengths of water. - The two vessels were separated by less than a cable length.

Advanced Usage

• "Within a cable's length": An idiomatic expression meaning very close, especially in a nautical context.
  • The rescue boat came within a cable's length of the sinking ship.

Variants and Related Words

• Cable (n): In nautical contexts, can be a synonym for "cable length." Also refers to a thick, strong rope or a bundle of wires for transmitting electricity or signals.
• Fathom (n): Another nautical unit of depth, equal to 6 feet (approximately 1.8288 meters). Ten fathoms are roughly equivalent to one cable length.

Synonyms

• Cable: (when used as a unit of length)
• Tenth of a nautical mile: (the precise definition)

Notes on Different Meanings

The term "cable length" is specific to nautical measurement. The word "cable" alone has several distinct meanings (e.g., a strong rope, an insulated wire, a telegram, a cable television service) that are not units of measurement.

Noun

1. a nautical unit of depth