sounding-machine

A sailor uses the sounding-machine to measure the ocean depth.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A device for measuring depth: "sounding-machine" refers to a mechanical or electronic apparatus used to determine the depth of water, typically under a ship or boat, by emitting sound waves or lowering a weighted line.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The crew used a sounding-machine to chart the ocean floor. (A device for measuring water depth.)
  • Before modern sonar, a sounding-machine was essential for safe navigation. (A mechanical depth-measuring instrument.)

Advanced Usage

• "to take a sounding": to measure depth using a sounding-machine or similar method.
  • The captain ordered a sounding to avoid running aground. (The captain commanded a depth measurement.)

Variants and Related Words

• Sounding (n): the act of measuring depth, or a measured depth value.
  • The sounding showed a depth of 50 meters. (The depth measurement indicated 50 meters.)
• Machine (n): a mechanical or electrical device for performing a specific task.
  • The machine hummed as it processed data. (The device operated with a steady sound.)

Synonyms

• Depth finder: a device for determining water depth.
• Sounding lead: a traditional weighted line for measuring depth (a simpler tool than a machine).
• Echo sounder: a modern electronic device using sound waves to measure depth.

Phrasal Verbs

• Sound out: to measure depth by using a sounding line or machine.
  • They sounded out the channel before entering the harbor. (They measured the water depth in the channel.)

Related Idioms

• Sound the depths: to explore or investigate thoroughly, often used metaphorically.
  • The philosopher sounded the depths of human consciousness. (The philosopher examined human consciousness deeply.)

(Note: "Sounding-machine" is a compound word, and the explanation focuses on this exact term as a single unit. Variants like "sounding" and "machine" are listed separately under 'Variants and Related Words' to avoid confusion.)