compass

Meaning

Noun

1. A magnetic or electronic device used to determine the cardinal directions (usually magnetic or true north).
2. A pair of compasses (a device used to draw circular arcs and transfer length measurements).
3. The range of notes of a musical instrument or voice.
4. (obsolete) A space within limits; an area.
5. (obsolete) An enclosing limit; a boundary, a circumference.
6. Moderate bounds, limits of truth; moderation; due limits; used with within.
7. Synonym of scope.
8. (obsolete) Range, reach.
9. (obsolete) A passing round; circuit; circuitous course.

Verb

1. To surround; to encircle; to environ; to stretch round.
2. To go about or round entirely; to traverse.
3. To accomplish; to reach; to achieve; to obtain.
4. To plot; to scheme (against someone).

Adv

In a circuit; round about.

Hyphenated as

com‧pass

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈkʌmpəs/

Etymology

From Middle English compas (“a circle, circuit, limit, form, a mathematical instrument”), from Old French compas, from Medieval Latin compassus (“a circle, a circuit”), from Latin com- (“together”) + passus (“a pace, step, later a pass, way, route”); see pass, pace.