Compass (noun) Definition, Meaning & Examples

noun
  1. an instrument for determining directions, as by means of a freely rotating magnetized needle that indicates magnetic north.
  2. the enclosing line or limits of any area; perimeter: You can find anything you want downtown within the compass of ten square blocks.
  3. space within limits; area; extent; range; scope: the narrow compass of the strait;the broad compass of the novel.
  4. the total range of tones of a voice or of a musical instrument.
  5. due or proper limits; moderate bounds: Their behavior stayed within the compass of propriety.
  6. a passing round; circuit: the compass of a year.
  7. 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.
  8. Astronomy.
    • the constellation Pyxis.
    • the constellation Circinus.
adjective
  1. curved; forming a curve or arc: a compass timber;compass roof.
verb (used with object)
  1. to go or move round; make the circuit of: It would take a week to compass his property on foot.
  2. to extend or stretch around; hem in; surround; encircle: An old stone wall compasses their property.
  3. to attain or achieve; accomplish; obtain: To have compassed this task in the limited time available is no mean achievement.
  4. to contrive; plot; scheme: to compass a treacherous plan.
  5. to make curved or circular.
  6. to comprehend; to grasp, as with the mind: His mind could not compass the extent of the disaster.
noun
  1. an instrument for finding direction, usually having a magnetized needle which points to magnetic north swinging freely on a pivot
  2. 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
  3. limits or range
  4. the interval between the lowest and highest note attainable by a voice or musical instrument
  5. a circular course
verb (tr)
  1. to encircle or surround; hem in
  2. to comprehend or grasp mentally
  3. to achieve; attain; accomplish
  4. to plot
    Compass (noun) Definition, Meaning & Examples

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