COMPASS


Meaning of COMPASS in English

n. & v.

--n.

1. (in full magnetic compass) an instrument showing the direction of magnetic north and bearings from it.

2 (usu. in pl.) an instrument for taking measurements and describing circles, with two arms connected at one end by a movable joint.

3 a circumference or boundary.

4 area, extent; scope (e.g. of knowledge or experience) (beyond my compass).

5 the range of tones of a voice or a musical instrument.

--v.tr. literary 1 hem in.

2 grasp mentally.

3 contrive, accomplish.

4 go round.

Phrases and idioms:

compass card a circular rotating card showing the

32 principal bearings, forming the indicator of a magnetic compass. compass rose a circle of the principal directions marked on a chart. compass-saw a saw with a narrow blade, for cutting curves. compass window a bay window with a semi-circular curve.

Derivatives:

compassable adj.

Etymology: ME f. OF compas ult. f. L passus PACE(1)

Oxford English vocab.      Оксфордский английский словарь.