HOW TO PRONOUNCE
compass
/ˈkʌmpəs/
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American Pronunciation Guide · 1:13
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What does compass mean?
noun
- A magnetic or electronic device used to determine the cardinal directions (usually magnetic or true north).
- A pair of compasses (a device used to draw circular arcs and transfer length measurements).
- The range of notes of a musical instrument or voice.
More meanings (12)
noun
- Moderate bounds, limits of truth; moderation; due limits; used with within.
- Synonym of scope.
- A curved circular form.
- (obsolete) A space within limits; an area.
- (obsolete) An enclosing limit; a boundary, a circumference.
- (obsolete) Range, reach.
- (obsolete) A passing round; circuit; circuitous course.
verb
- To surround; to encircle; to environ; to stretch round.
- To go about or round entirely; to traverse.
- (dated) To accomplish; to reach; to achieve; to obtain.
- (dated) To plot; to scheme (against someone).
adverb
- (obsolete) In a circuit; round about.
Definitions regrouped for readability · CC BY-SA 4.0
IPA pronunciation
/ˈkʌmpəs/
CMU Pronouncing Dictionary ↗Pronunciation varies by speaker and region. About these dictionary pronunciations.
In the pages of books
See this word in context.
“A little to your right,” cried Xodar, for there are no points of compass upon Omean where every direction is due north.
He was paid off one morning, and by the next he hadn’t a cent left, and his watch and compass were gone.
More book examples (3)
But such digressions as these the impatient reader will be more willing to pardon, if they are kept within a moderate compass.
Few minds are industrious and ductile enough completely to compass this field, if the infant is only accidentally brought under their view.
One of its greatest advantages is that it can be easily deflated, and can be packed away into a very small compass.