compass
The definition of compass means to understand, grasp or fulfill.
(verb)An example of to compass is figuring out why your car won't start.
The definition of a compass is a tool with two pointed legs connected by a hinge, one end with a writing device the other used as a stable pivot, used for drawing perfect circles and other things.
(noun)An example of compass is what an architect uses for drawing curves in a building plan.
A compass is defined as a device with magnetic needles used for showing the direction one is facing.
(noun)An example of a compass is what a backpacker would use to find their way through the woods.
See compass in Webster's New World College Dictionary
transitive verb
- Archaic to go around; make a circuit of
- encompass (sense )
- to grasp mentally; understand; comprehend
- to reach successfully; achieve; accomplish: to compass one's ends
- to plot or contrive (something harmful)
Origin: ME compassen < OFr compasser, to go around < VL *compassare < L com-, together + passus, a step: see pace
noun
- an instrument consisting of two pointed legs connected at one end by a pivot, used for drawing arcs or circles or for taking measurementsalso called pair of compasses
- a boundary line; circumference
- an enclosed area
- full extent or range; reach; scope; specif., range of tones, as of a voice
- any of various instruments for showing direction, esp. one consisting of a magnetic needle swinging freely on a pivot and pointing to the magnetic north
- Archaic a circuit; course
Origin: ME & OFr compas, a circle, prob. < the v.
adjective
Related Forms:
- compassable adjective
See compass in American Heritage Dictionary 4
noun
- a. A device used to determine geographic direction, usually consisting of a magnetic needle or needles horizontally mounted or suspended and free to pivot until aligned with the earth's magnetic field.b. Another device, such as a radio compass or a gyrocompass, used for determining geographic direction.
- A V-shaped device for describing circles or circular arcs and for taking measurements, consisting of a pair of rigid, end-hinged legs, one of which is equipped with a pen, pencil, or other marker and the other with a sharp point providing a pivot about which the drawing leg is turned. Also called pair of compasses.
- a. An enclosing line or boundary; a circumference: outside the compass of the fence. See Synonyms at circumference.b. A restricted space or area: four huge crates within the compass of the elevator.c. Range or scope, as of understanding, perception, or authority: “Lacking a coherent intellectual and moral commitment, [he] was forced to find his compass in personal experience” (Doris Kearns Goodwin). See Synonyms at range.
- Music See range.
- To make a circuit of; circle: The sailboat compassed the island.
- To surround; encircle. See Synonyms at surround.
- To understand; comprehend.
- To succeed in carrying out; accomplish. See Synonyms at reach.
- To scheme; plot.
- Forming a curved configuration.
- Semicircular. Used of bow windows.
Origin:
Origin: Middle English compas, circle, compass
Origin: , from Old French
Origin: , from compasser, to measure
Origin: , from Vulgar Latin *compassāre, to pace off
Origin: : Latin com-, com-
Origin: + Latin passus, step; see pace1
.Related Forms:
- comˈpass·a·ble adjective
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