compass
 com·pass (kŭmʹpəs, kŏmʹ-) drawing a circle with a compassPhotoDisc, Inc.n.
1.
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.
2. 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.
3.
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.
4. Music. See range.tr.v. com·passed, com·pass·ing, com·pass·es
1. To make a circuit of; circle:
The sailboat compassed the island.
2. To surround; encircle. See Synonyms at surround.
3. To understand; comprehend.
4. To succeed in carrying out; accomplish. See Synonyms at reach.
5. To scheme; plot.adj.
1. Forming a curved configuration.
2. Semicircular. Used of bow windows. [Middle English compas, circle, compass, from Old French, from compasser, to measure, from Vulgar Latin *compassāre, to pace off : Latin com-, com- + Latin passus, step; see pace1.] comʹpass·a·ble adj.
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