noun
a nautical unit of depth
• Syn: ↑cable, ↑cable length
• Hypernyms: ↑linear unit, ↑linear measure
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noun (plural cables' lengths)* * *
a nautical unit of length equivalent to 720 feet (219 meters) in the U.S. Navy and 608 feet (185 meters) in the British Navy.
Also, cable length. Also called cable.
[1545-55]
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cable's length,
a unit of measurement frequently used in sailing directions (720 feet in the United States Navy and about 100 fathoms or 607.56 feet in the British Navy); cable length.
Useful english dictionary. 2012.