compass
[noun]
Synonyms: range, area, boundary, circumference, extent, field, limit, reach, realm, scope

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Related Words: domain, field, sphere, enclosure, bounds, limits, circumscription, limitation, restriction

[TahlilGaran] English Synonym Dictionary ▲

com‧pass /ˈkʌmpəs/ noun
[Date: 1300-1400; Language: Old French; Origin: compas 'measure, circle, compass', from compasser 'to measure', from Vulgar Latin compassare 'to measure by walking', from Latin com- ( ⇒ COM-) + passus (, pace¹)]

1. [countable] an instrument that shows directions and has a needle that always points north:
a map and compass
compass points/points of the compass (=the marks on a compass that show you north, south, east, west etc)

2.
[countable] (also compasses) a V-shaped instrument with one sharp point and a pen or pencil at the other end, used for drawing circles or measuring distances on maps

3. [uncountable] formal the area or range of subjects that someone is responsible for or that is discussed in a book
compass of
Within the brief compass of a single page, the author covers most of the major points.

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

compass
noun
ADJ. magnetic
VERB + COMPASS use | check
COMPASS + VERB show sth A compass shows you which direction is north.
COMPASS + NOUN needle | bearing, reading | direction, point | error
PHRASES a map and compass, the points of the compass The railway fanned out from Moscow to all points of the compass.

[TahlilGaran] Collocations Dictionary ▲

compass

the points of the compass/compass points (=the marks that show you north, south, east etc)
She was teaching the children the points of the compass.
a map and compass
Always take a map and compass with you in the mountains.
the compass needle (=the long piece of metal that moves to show north)
a compass bearing/reading (=a direction shown by a compass)
We took a compass bearing to ensure we were walking in the right direction.
compass error
Their ship had sailed off course due to compass errors.
use a compass
Some of the kids were learning how to use a map and compass.
set a compass (=adjust it so that the needle and the north mark are in line with each other)
Wait until the needle settles, then set the compass.
a compass shows something
Our compass showed that we should bear right.

[TahlilGaran] Collocations Dictionary ▲