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magnetic compass

The definition of a magnetic compass is a device with a magnetized rod that shows direction in comparison to the magnetic poles of the Earth.

(noun)

An example of a magnetic compass is how ships find their way on the open sea.

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See magnetic compass in Webster's New World College Dictionary

an instrument for indicating geographical directions magnetically, as by the action of the earth's magnetic field on a magnetic needle

See magnetic compass in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun
An instrument that uses a magnetized steel bar to indicate direction relative to the earth's magnetic poles.

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