Fathomage, a word that refers to the measurement of depth of water, is spelled as /ˈfæðəmɪdʒ/. The word is derived from fathom, which means six feet of water depth. The suffix -age means 'a collection or a charge for a service'. Therefore, fathomage refers to the charges levied for measuring the depth of water using a fathom. The spelling of this word can be understood by breaking it into syllables and pronouncing each sound, as indicated by the IPA phonetic transcription.
Fathomage is a noun that refers to the measurement of the depth of water using fathoms. A fathom, traditionally, is a unit of length equal to six feet or around 1.83 meters. As a term more commonly used in maritime contexts, fathomage specifically represents the soundings or depth of water that a ship can navigate safely. It is often utilized to determine if a particular area is suitable for a ship to sail through, especially considering its draft or how deep the ship's hull extends below the water surface.
Fathomage is also used in relation to the fees or charges levied on ships based on their tonnage or cargo weight when they dock at a port. These charges are typically calculated by multiplying the depth or range of the ship's draft at the time of arrival by a specific rate predetermined by the port authorities. The fathomage fees are intended to cover the costs incurred in maintaining and dredging the waterways, making them navigable for vessels.
Overall, fathomage embodies the measurement of water depth, whether for navigational purposes or the assessment of fees related to port usage. It plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and efficiency of maritime transportation, allowing ships to sail smoothly within sound or suitable depths while contributing to the maintenance and upkeep of ports and water channels.
The word "fathomage" is derived from the noun "fathom" combined with the suffix "-age".
The noun "fathom" originates from the Old English word "fæðm" or "fæðmian", which means "to embrace or encircle with one's arms". It later evolved to refer specifically to a unit of length, equivalent to six feet, commonly used in measuring the depth of water. The term is related to the Germanic root "*faþmaz" or "to embrace".
The suffix "-age" comes from the Old French "-age", which indicates a collective or aggregate form of a noun. It is derived from the Latin "-aticum", meaning "belonging to" or "connected with".