plumb
UK: plʌm | US: plʌm
n. 1. A weight, typically of lead, attached to a line for determining verticality or depth.
vt. 1. To measure the depth of something.
vt. 2. To examine closely or deeply.
adj. 1. Perfectly vertical.
The word "plumb" originates from the Latin plumbum, meaning "lead," reflecting its historical use in weights and construction tools. The term evolved to denote vertical alignment due to the use of lead-weighted plumb lines in building. Over time, it gained figurative meanings like "to examine deeply" or "perfectly straight," mirroring the precision of its literal use.
The builder used a plumb to ensure the wall was straight.
She plumbed the depths of the lake with a weighted line.
The journalist plumbed the secrets of the political scandal.
The tower stood plumb against the horizon.
Ancient Romans mined plumb for pipes and construction.