Definition of compass

noun (n)

• navigational instrument for finding directions (noun.artifact)

  source: wordnet30
• an area in which something acts or operates or has power or control: (noun.attribute)

  Synonym: ambit, orbit, range, reach, scope
  

  Example:
  Within the compass of this article.
  

  source: wordnet30
• the limit of capability (noun.cognition)

  Synonym: grasp, range, reach
  

  Example:
  Within the compass of education.
  

  source: wordnet30
• drafting instrument used for drawing circles (noun.artifact)

  source: wordnet30
• A passing round; circuit; circuitous course. (noun)

  source: webster1913

verb (v)

• bring about; accomplish (verb.social)

  Example:
  This writer attempts more than his talents can compass.
  

  source: wordnet30
• travel around, either by plane or ship (verb.motion)

  Synonym: circumnavigate
  

  Example:
  We compassed the earth.
  

  source: wordnet30
• get the meaning of something (verb.cognition)

  Synonym: apprehend, comprehend, dig, get the picture, grasp, grok, savvy
  

  source: wordnet30
• To go about or entirely round; to make the circuit of. (verb)

  source: webster1913

Visual Synonyms (Thesaurus)

Explore compass in VisualSynonyms.com