compass

IPA: kˈʌmpʌs

noun

  • A magnetic or electronic device used to determine the cardinal directions (usually magnetic or true north).
  • A pair of compasses (a device used to draw circular arcs and transfer length measurements).
  • (music) The range of notes of a musical instrument or voice.
  • (obsolete) A space within limits; an area.
  • (obsolete) An enclosing limit; a boundary, a circumference.
  • Moderate bounds, limits of truth; moderation; due limits; used with within.
  • (formal) Synonym of scope.
  • (obsolete) Range, reach.
  • (obsolete) A passing round; circuit; circuitous course.
  • (carpentry, architecture, shipbuilding) A curved circular form.

verb

  • To surround; to encircle; to environ; to stretch round.
  • To go about or round entirely; to traverse.
  • (dated) To accomplish; to reach; to achieve; to obtain.
  • (dated) To plot; to scheme (against someone).

adverb

  • (obsolete) In a circuit; round about.
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Examples of "compass" in Sentences

  • Somehow I think your inner compass is guiding you just fine.
  • So what happens if that compass is off-course with my readers?
  • And this compass is the best I can make – though my next will be. better!
  • "The book, though small in compass, is evidently the work of great research and reflection, and is a valuable acquisition to historical literature."
  • One of the most serious examples where a recalibration of the moral compass is urgently needed concerns the 3,400 Iranian dissidents residing in Camp Ashraf, northeast of Baghdad.
  • The possession of a compass is an indication that the subject of "escaping" has been thought of, and the question, "Have you a compass?" is the prison-camp way of saying, "What do you think of making a try?"
  • Agreed with hengst, just another thing to add on, if his compass is the type (as most are) with a rotating housing, he cant use the marking within the housing to keep on his original bearing, otherwise mistakes in shooting short bearings could result in compounding misdirection.

Related Links

synonyms for compassdescribing words for compass
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