- an instrument for determining directions, as by means of a freely rotating magnetized needle that indicates magnetic north.
- the enclosing line or limits of any area; perimeter: You can find anything you want downtown within the compass of ten square blocks.
- space within limits; area; extent; range; scope: the narrow compass of the strait;the broad compass of the novel.
- the total range of tones of a voice or of a musical instrument.
- due or proper limits; moderate bounds: Their behavior stayed within the compass of propriety.
- a passing round; circuit: the compass of a year.
- an instrument for drawing or describing circles, measuring distances, etc., consisting generally of two movable, rigid legs hinged to each other at one end (usually used with pair of): to spread the legs of a compass and draw a larger circle.
- Astronomy.
- the constellation Pyxis.
- the constellation Circinus.
- curved; forming a curve or arc: a compass timber;compass roof.
- to go or move round; make the circuit of: It would take a week to compass his property on foot.
- to extend or stretch around; hem in; surround; encircle: An old stone wall compasses their property.
- to attain or achieve; accomplish; obtain: To have compassed this task in the limited time available is no mean achievement.
- to contrive; plot; scheme: to compass a treacherous plan.
- to make curved or circular.
- to comprehend; to grasp, as with the mind: His mind could not compass the extent of the disaster.
- an instrument for finding direction, usually having a magnetized needle which points to magnetic north swinging freely on a pivot
- an instrument used for drawing circles, measuring distances, etc, that consists of two arms, joined at one end, one arm of which serves as a pivot or stationary reference point, while the other is extended or describes a circle
- limits or range
- the interval between the lowest and highest note attainable by a voice or musical instrument
- a circular course
- to encircle or surround; hem in
- to comprehend or grasp mentally
- to achieve; attain; accomplish
- to plot