A fathom is a unit of length used to measure the depth of water or the depth of objects underwater. In the international nautical mile system, one fathom is equal to exactly 1.8288 meters or approximately 6 feet. However, in the United States, the customary value for a fathom is often rounded to 6 feet.
Fathoms are commonly used in navigation, maritime activities, and underwater exploration to measure the depth of bodies of water, the draft of ships, and the depth of diving. Sailors, fishermen, and divers often use this unit to assess water depths.
The term "mil" can have different meanings depending on the context, as it is used in various fields:
Military Mil: In a military context, "mil" often refers to a milliradian, which is a unit of angular measurement used for estimating distances or sizes of objects. One milliradian is equal to 1/1,000th of a radian, and it is often used in marksmanship and artillery to make precise aiming adjustments. It is symbolized as "mil" or "mrad."
Thousandth of an Inch: In manufacturing and engineering, particularly in the United States, a "mil" can refer to one thousandth of an inch. This is a unit used to measure very small dimensions, such as the thickness of materials like plastic sheets or metal foils. It is often represented as "mil" or "mils."
Currency: In some countries, the term "mil" can also be used colloquially to refer to a unit of currency, where it represents one-thousandth of the currency's primary unit. For example, in Israel, a "mil" is one-thousandth of an Israeli new shekel (NIS).
The meaning of "mil" should be determined based on the specific context in which it is used, as it can vary widely across different fields and regions.