sea-gauge
Definition
- Noun:
- Depth of water required for a vessel to avoid grounding: "Sea-gauge" refers to the specific water depth necessary for a ship to navigate safely without running aground.
- Instrument for measuring depth: "Sea-gauge" also denotes a device used to measure the depth of water, especially for navigational purposes.
Usage Examples
- (The captain checked the water depth needed to avoid grounding.)
- (The depth-measuring instrument was set to measure in units of six feet.)
Advanced Usage
- "to take a sea-gauge": to measure the depth of water.
- The crew took a sea-gauge to ensure the channel was deep enough. (They measured the water depth to confirm safe passage.)
Variants and Related Words
- Gauge (n): a standard measure or instrument for measuring.
- The pressure gauge showed a safe reading. (The instrument measuring pressure indicated a safe level.)
- Seafaring (adj): relating to travel or work on the sea.
- Seafaring traditions include using a sea-gauge. (Maritime customs involve measuring water depth.)
Synonyms
- Depth: the measurement from the surface to the bottom.
- Draft: the depth of water a ship requires to float freely.
- Sounding: a measurement of water depth, often taken by a lead line.
Related Idioms
- Sound the depths: to measure the depth of water, often metaphorically for exploring unknown situations.
- They sounded the depths of the bay to find a safe anchorage. (They measured the water depth to locate a secure place to anchor.)