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| com·pass [ kúmpəss, kómpəss ] |
noun (plural com·pass·es) |
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| Definition: |
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1. direction finder: a device for finding directions, usually with a magnetized needle that automatically swings to magnetic north
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2. personal direction: a sense of personal direction
  a leader who was devoid of moral compass
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3. scope: the scope of something such as a subject or area of study
beyond the compass of the inquiry
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4. hinged device for drawing circles: a device for drawing circles or measuring distances, e.g. on a map, that consists of two rods, one pointed, the other often holding a pencil, joined by an adjustable hinge
(
often used in the plural
)
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transitive verb (past and past participle com·passed, present participle com·pass·ing, 3rd person present singular com·pass·es) |
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| Definition: |
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1.
Same as encompass (sense 2)
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2. understand something: to understand something fully and completely
(
formal
)
far more than the average mind can compass
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3. achieve something: to achieve or attain something
(
literary
)
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| [14th century. < French compas "circle," compasser "to measure" < assumed Vulgar Latin compassare, literally "step off" < Latin passus "step"] |
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| com·pass·a·ble adjective |
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