Dictionary
com•pass
Pronunciation: (kum'pus), [key]—
n.
1. an instrument for determining directions, as by means of a freely rotating magnetized needle that indicates magnetic north.
2. the enclosing line or limits of any area; perimeter:
You can find anything you want downtown within the compass of ten square blocks.
3. space within limits; area; extent; range; scope:
the narrow compass of the strait; the broad compass of the novel.
4. Also called
range. the total range of tones of a voice or of a musical instrument.
5. due or proper limits; moderate bounds:
Their behavior stayed within the compass of propriety.
6. a passing round; circuit:
the compass of a year.
7. Often,
compasses. an instrument for drawing or describing circles, measuring distances, etc., consisting generally of two movable, rigid legs hinged to each other at one end (usually used with
pair of):
to spread the legs of a compass and draw a larger circle.
8. (
cap.)
Astron.
a. Also called Mariner's Compass. the constellation Pyxis.
b. Compasses,the constellation Circinus.
—
adj.
curved; forming a curve or arc:
a compass timber; compass roof.
—
v.t.
1. to go or move round; make the circuit of:
It would take a week to compass his property on foot.
2. to extend or stretch around; hem in; surround; encircle:
An old stone wall compasses their property.
3. to attain or achieve; accomplish; obtain.
4. to contrive; plot; scheme:
to compass a treacherous plan.
5. to make curved or circular.
6. to comprehend; to grasp, as with the mind:
His mind could not compass the extent of the disaster. Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
