Definition

1. Noun:
   • A navigational instrument used to measure the depth of a body of water, typically by emitting and receiving sound waves (ultrasound) or radar signals.

Usage

• The term "depth finder" is used to describe a specific electronic device, primarily on boats and ships, for safe navigation.
• It is a compound noun where "depth" specifies what is measured and "finder" indicates the device's function.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The captain checked the depth finder to ensure the ship wouldn't run aground.
  • Modern fishing boats are equipped with a sophisticated depth finder to locate underwater structures.

Advanced Usage

• "to read the depth finder": to interpret the information displayed by the instrument.
  • The first mate learned to read the depth finder accurately.
• "depth finder reading": the specific measurement or data provided by the instrument.
  • The depth finder reading showed a sudden drop to fifty fathoms.

Variants and Related Words

• Echosounder / Fathometer (n): Specific types of depth finders that use sound waves (sonar) to determine depth. These are often used as synonyms in technical contexts.
  • The echosounder is a common type of depth finder on commercial vessels.
• Depth sounder (n): Another common term for the same instrument.
  • He adjusted the settings on the depth sounder.

Synonyms

• Sounding device: A general term for equipment used to measure depth.
• Bathymeter: A more technical or scientific term for an instrument measuring water depth.

Related Phrases

• To take a sounding: The act of measuring depth, traditionally with a weighted line but now commonly with a depth finder.
  • Before the invention of electronic depth finders, sailors had to take a sounding manually.

Noun

1. navigational instrument used to measure the depth of a body of water (as by ultrasound or radar)