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- pronunciation:
- kuhm
p
 s
[or]
kam
ps
- parts of speech:
- noun, adjective, transitive verb
- features:
- Word Combinations (noun), Word Explorer
| part of speech: |
noun |
| definition 1: |
an instrument for determining direction, esp. one with a horizontal magnetic needle that rotates freely until it points to the magnetic north.
Sailors relied on a compass to find their way across the ocean.
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| definition 2: |
a boundary or limit, or the space or scope included within it.
She rarely ventured beyond the compass of her estate.Such ideas were beyond the compass of his imagination.This is not within the compass of the state's authority.- similar words:
- circuit, scope
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| definition 3: |
(often pl.) 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.
It's best to use a compass for drawing circles or arcs for geometry.
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| related words: |
circumference, gamut, length, line |
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| part of speech: |
adjective |
| definition: |
forming a curve; rounded.
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| part of speech: |
transitive verb |
| inflections: |
compasses, compassing, compassed |
| definition 1: |
to go all the way around; circle.
On his voyages, he had compassed the globe. |
| definition 2: |
to include entirely; encompass; encircle.
The city was compassed by a wall of stone.- similar words:
- ring, surround
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| definition 3: |
to comprehend fully; grasp.
The vastness of the universe is something that we as humans find difficult to compass.- synonyms:
- grasp
- similar words:
- comprehend
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| definition 4: |
to obtain or accomplish.
- similar words:
- attain
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| definition 5: |
to scheme or contrive.
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| related words: |
comprise, girth, realize, surround |
| derivation: |
compassable (adj.) |
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