ˈbɒtəm ˈbɑtəm ˈfæðəm ˈfæðəm ˈpɛnɪtɹeɪt measure the depth of (a body of water) with a sounding line come to understand (mining) a unit of volume (equal to 6 cubic feet) used in measuring bodies of ore a linear unit of measurement (equal to 6 feet) for water depth