fathometer
/'fæθəmi:tə/
Definition
Noun: A device used to measure the depth of water or locate submerged objects by emitting and receiving ultrasound waves. It operates on the principle of sonar (sound navigation and ranging).
Usage
The word "fathometer" is a technical term used primarily in marine navigation, oceanography, and hydrographic surveying. It refers specifically to the instrument itself. * The captain used the fathometer to ensure the ship had enough clearance over the seabed. * Modern fathometers provide highly accurate depth readings and detailed profiles of the ocean floor.
Advanced Usage
- As a proprietary term: Historically, "Fathometer" was a trademark for a specific brand of echo-sounding depth finder. In general use, it has become a generic term for such devices, similar to how "escalator" or "kleenex" are used.
Variants and Related Words
- Echo sounder: A more general synonym for a fathometer.
- Depth finder / Depth sounder: Common descriptive terms for the same type of equipment.
- Sonar: A broader term for any system that uses sound propagation to navigate, communicate, or detect objects. A fathometer is a type of active sonar.
Synonyms
- Echo sounder
- Depth finder
- Depth sounder
Antonyms
- There is no direct antonym for this device. Conceptually, a tool for measuring height (like an altimeter) could be considered opposite in function (measuring elevation above a surface versus depth below it).
Related Phrases
- To take a sounding: The action of using a fathometer or lead line to measure depth.
- The crew took regular soundings as they entered the shallow harbor.
Noun
-
depth finder for determining depth of water or a submerged object by means of ultrasound waves
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