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“compass”
compass
1. 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.
2. Another device; such as, a radio compass or a gyrocompass, used for determining geographic directions.
3. The extent within limits; an area; a reach; a scope: "He is working within the compass of the current economic situation; so, it is not possible to increase spending for such a project."
4. A hinged instrument for drawing circles and arcs, with one leg ending in a point used as the pivot and the other ending in a pencil or pen that traces a curve as it is turned.
5. Etymology: "space, area, extent, circumference"; from Old French compas, "circle, radius, pair of compasses"; from compasser, "to go around, to measure, to divide equally"; from Vulgar Latin compassare, "to pace out"; from Latin com-, "together" + passus, "a step".
2. Another device; such as, a radio compass or a gyrocompass, used for determining geographic directions.
3. The extent within limits; an area; a reach; a scope: "He is working within the compass of the current economic situation; so, it is not possible to increase spending for such a project."
4. A hinged instrument for drawing circles and arcs, with one leg ending in a point used as the pivot and the other ending in a pencil or pen that traces a curve as it is turned.
5. Etymology: "space, area, extent, circumference"; from Old French compas, "circle, radius, pair of compasses"; from compasser, "to go around, to measure, to divide equally"; from Vulgar Latin compassare, "to pace out"; from Latin com-, "together" + passus, "a step".
This entry is located in the following unit:
pass-, pace-
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Word Entries containing the term:
“compass”
gyrocompass; gyrostatic compass
1. A compass that contains a gyroscope which is kept level so that it orients itself with "true north".
2. A north-seeking form of gyroscope used as a directional reference in navigation.
3. A navigational compass containing a gyroscope rotor, that, when adjusted for the latitude and speed of the vessel or aircraft, indicates the direction of true north along the surface of the earth or communicates this information to one or more gyro repeaters.
2. A north-seeking form of gyroscope used as a directional reference in navigation.
3. A navigational compass containing a gyroscope rotor, that, when adjusted for the latitude and speed of the vessel or aircraft, indicates the direction of true north along the surface of the earth or communicates this information to one or more gyro repeaters.