sounding-rod

sounding-rod

A sailor uses a sounding-rod to check the water level in the ship's hold.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • A rod used to measure the depth of water: A "sounding-rod" is a long, slender stick or pole used to determine the depth of water, especially in the hold of a ship or in shallow waters. It is a traditional tool for sounding (measuring) water levels.
Usage Examples
  • (He used the rod to measure water depth in the ship's bottom.)
  • (They used the rod to measure water depth in rivers or harbours.)
Advanced Usage

  • "to take a sounding": A related phrase meaning to measure depth using a sounding-rod or other device.

    • The captain ordered a sounding-rod reading to ensure the ship could pass safely. (He instructed the crew to measure the water's depth.)

  • "sounding-rod" as a metaphor: In figurative language, a "sounding-rod" can refer to any tool or method used to test or probe a situation.

    • His questions were a sounding-rod to gauge the audience's opinion. (His questions tested the listeners' views.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Sounding (n): The act of measuring depth of water, or the measurement itself.

    • The crew performed a sounding of the riverbed. (They measured the depth.)

  • Rod (n): A long, thin, straight piece of wood, metal, or plastic.

    • A fishing rod is used to catch fish. (A flexible pole for fishing.)
Synonyms
  • Depth gauge: An instrument for measuring depth.
  • Plumb line: A line with a weight used to determine vertical depth.
  • Dipstick: A rod for measuring the level of liquid in a tank (similar but not identical; often used for oil or fuel).
Phrasal Verbs
  • Sound out: To try to discover someone's opinions or intentions, or to measure depth.
    • He sounded out the water with a rod before wading. (He measured the depth cautiously.)
Related Idioms

  • To sound the depths: To explore or investigate thoroughly.

    • The journalist sounded the depths of the political scandal. (She investigated it in great detail.)

  • To be on a sounding line: To be in a position of testing or measuring.

    • The ship was on a sounding line near the coast. (It was carefully measuring water depth to avoid grounding.)