compass

Plural: compasses

Noun

• navigational instrument for finding directions
• an area in which something acts or operates or has power or control:
  • "within the compass of this article"
• the limit of capability
  • "within the compass of education"
• drafting instrument used for drawing circles
• 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.
• A space within limits; an area.
• An enclosing limit; a boundary, a circumference.
• Moderate bounds, limits of truth; moderation; due limits; used with within.
• Synonym of scope.
• Range, reach.
• A passing round; circuit; circuitous course.
• A curved circular form.

Verb

Verb Forms: compassed, compassing, compasses

• To go around something; to achieve something.
• 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
• To surround; to encircle; to environ; to stretch round.
• To go about or round entirely; to traverse.
• To accomplish; to reach; to achieve; to obtain.
• To plot; to scheme (against someone).

Adv

• In a circuit; round about.

Examples

• He tried to compass a way to use all seven tiles for a bingo bonus.
• within the compass of an encircling wall

Synonyms

ambit, apprehend, circumnavigate, comprehend, dig, get the picture, grasp, grok, orbit, range, reach, savvy, scope, accomplish, achieve, attain, conspire, cover, encircle, environ, gain, get to, magnetic compass, pair of compasses, plot, scheme, surround, traverse

Anagrams of compass