compasses Meaning, Definition & Usage

noun navigational instrument for finding directions
compass.
noun an area in which something acts or operates or has power or control: "the range of a supersonic jet"
ambit; reach; orbit; range; compass; scope.
- a piano has a greater range than the human voice
- the ambit of municipal legislation
- within the compass of this article
- within the scope of an investigation
- outside the reach of the law
- in the political orbit of a world power
noun the limit of capability
grasp; range; reach; compass.
- within the compass of education
noun drafting instrument used for drawing circles
compass.
verb bring about; accomplish
compass.
- This writer attempts more than his talents can compass
verb travel around, either by plane or ship
circumnavigate; compass.
- We compassed the earth
verb get the meaning of something
grok; apprehend; dig; comprehend; grasp; compass; savvy; get the picture.
- Do you comprehend the meaning of this letter?

An instrument for describing circles, measuring figures, etc., consisting of two, or (rarely) more, pointed branches, or legs, usually joined at the top by a rivet on which they move. ✍ The compasses for drawing circles have adjustable pen points, pencil points, etc.; those used for measuring without adjustable points are generally called dividers. See Dividers.