depth

Everyday

1. Depth is how deep something is, how far it goes down from the top. tree →
2. Depth is also how far back something goes, like the depth of a shelf. tree →
3. The depths are the deepest parts, like the depths of the ocean. tree →
4. «In depth» means in a full, careful way. tree →

In the lessons

maths: a measure of length downward; with length and width it gives volume (length × width × depth); science: the depth of the ocean, the depth of snow or rain; safety: check the depth of water before you jump in; phrases: «out of your depth» means in water too deep, or in something too hard

Examples

• The depth of the pool is 3 meters. tree →
• Find the depth of the water. tree →
• The tank has a depth of 50 cm. tree →
• The depth grows by 2 cm each hour. tree →
• Never dive in without checking the depth. tree →
• The deepest part of the ocean is about 11 kilometers down. tree →
• We studied volcanoes in depth. tree →
• The waters foamed in the depths below him. tree →

Note

A length; multiply length × width × depth for volume. Trap: keep units the same before multiplying. Spelling: dep-t-h, from deep.

In Jewish tradition

In the Torah it often means the deep waters of the sea or underground springs.

Interpretation. Sefer Yetzirah speaks of "depth" as one of the ten directions of the world, along with height, east, west, north and south.

Examples

• The deeps cover them — they went down into the depths like a stone. (Torah EXO.15.5, JPS 1917) tree →
• For the LORD thy God bringeth thee into a good land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and depths, springing forth in valleys and hills; (Torah DEU.8.7, JPS 1917) tree →
• For a fire is kindled in My nostril, and burneth unto the depths of the nether-world, and devoureth the earth with her produce, and setteth ablaze the foundations of the mountains. (Torah DEU.32.22, JPS 1917) tree →
• Out of the depths have I called Thee, O LORD. (Writings PSA.130.1, JPS 1917) tree →
• Behold, He spreadeth His light upon it; and He covereth the depths of the sea. (Writings JOB.36.30, JPS 1917) tree →
• By His knowledge the depths were broken up, and the skies drop down the dew. (Writings PRO.3.20, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

A length; multiply length × width × depth for volume. Trap: keep units the same before multiplying. Spelling: dep-t-h, from deep.