bathymetry

noun

ba·​thym·​e·​try bə-ˈthi-mə-trē 

plural bathymetries

: the measurement of water depth at various places in a body of water

also : the information derived from such measurements

bathymetric

ˌba-thi-ˈme-trik 

adjective

or less commonly bathymetrical

ˌba-thi-ˈme-tri-kəl 

bathymetrically

ˌba-thi-ˈme-tri-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Examples of bathymetry in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Aussie surfers started coming here 40-odd years ago, arriving for Rote’s long, clean waves, magicked up by a rare blend of wind, swell, and bathymetry. — Michelle Jana Chan, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 Sep. 2026

Over the ensuing years, the researchers aim to study the bathymetry—or ocean floor—of the surrounding waters. — Avery Schuyler Nunn, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 Dec. 2024

The technique, which uses imagery captured by the Landsat program, works specifically to determine ocean depth, or bathymetry, in shallow, nearshore environments. — Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024

This was also the first time experts were able to do mapping and bathymetry of the Kasos-Karpathos reef and the Karpatholimnion area, the Greek Ministry said. — Abigail Adams, Peoplemag, 15 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

bathymetric "relating to measurement of depth and depth-related distribution of marine organisms" (from bathy- + -metric) + -y entry 2

First Known Use

circa 1855, in the meaning defined above