compass - Definition | Dictionary definition of compass

Definition of compass

navigational instrument for finding directions

Types:: gyrocompass
a compass that does not depend on magnetism but uses a gyroscope instead; magnetic compass
compass based on an indicator (as a magnetic needle) that points to the magnetic north; compass card, mariner's compass
compass in the form of a card that rotates so that 0 degrees or North points to magnetic north

an area in which something acts or operates or has power or control: "the range of a supersonic jet"

"within the compass of this article"

Types:: show 10 types...; hide 10 types...; approximate range, ballpark
near to the scope or range of something; confines
a bounded scope; contrast
the range of optical density and tone on a photographic negative or print (or the extent to which adjacent areas on a television screen differ in brightness); internationalism, internationality
quality of being international in scope; latitude
scope for freedom of e.g. action or thought; freedom from restriction; horizon, purview, view
the range of interest or activity that can be anticipated; expanse, sweep
a wide scope; gamut
a complete extent or range: "a face that expressed a gamut of emotions"; spectrum
a broad range of related objects or values or qualities or ideas or activities; palette, pallet
the range of colour characteristic of a particular artist or painting or school of art

Type of:: extent
the distance or area or volume over which something extends

the limit of capability

"within the compass of education"

Type of:: capability, capableness, potentiality
an aptitude that may be developed

drafting instrument used for drawing circles

Type of:: drafting instrument
an instrument used by a draftsman in making drawings

bring about; accomplish

"This writer attempts more than his talents can compass"

travel around, either by plane or ship

"We compassed the earth"

get the meaning of something

Types:: show 4 types...; hide 4 types...; figure
understand; catch on, cotton on, get it, get onto, get wise, latch on, tumble, twig
understand, usually after some initial difficulty; intuit
know or grasp by intuition or feeling; digest
arrange and integrate in the mind