Fathom is a unit of length, traditionally used in maritime contexts, that is equivalent to six feet or approximately 1.83 meters. It originated from the space that a man's arms can encompass when stretched out, which was used as a measure for the depth of water. In more modern measurements, it continues to commonly be used in the maritime industry, especially for specifying the depth of water.

1. The diver descended twenty fathoms below sea level to explore the coral reef, taking him one hundred and twenty feet beneath the waves. 2. He was used to working in depths of up to five fathoms, or thirty feet, in the coal mine. 3. The fish were swimming at a depth of three fathoms, or about eighteen feet deep, in the clear blue lake. 4. They measured the depth of the archeological dig in fathoms, with the most significant findings being recovered at around 10 fathoms, or sixty feet deep. 5. When he opened his eyes, he realized he drifted about two fathoms – twelve feet – away from the shore due to the strong current.

A fathom is a unit of length in the old imperial and the U.S. customary systems, primarily used to measure water depth. Interestingly, one fathom is equivalent to six feet, originally based on the distance between a man's outstretched arms. It was often used in maritime contexts, as sailors would measure the water depth by throwing a weighted rope overboard and pulling it up, counting the knots to calculate the number of fathoms. So next time you fathom a situation, remember it's like delving six feet into your thoughts!