Bathymetry
/ˌbæθɪˈmɛtri/noun
The measurement of the depth of water, especially in oceans, seas, and lakes.
Did you know?Bathymetry comes from the Greek bathys (“deep”) plus metron (“measure”), the same ancient root behind words like meter and geometry—so even ocean science is built on the language of sacred measuring.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Gk
bathys
“deep, profound”
Ancient Greek
Gk
metron
“measure”
Late 19th Century
English
bathymetry
“the measurement of water depth”
Modern English
English
bathymetry
“the measurement of underwater depth”
Explore more surprising origins