Compass
/ˈkʌmpəs/
Definitions
2 meaningsAn instrument containing a magnetized needle that shows direction, typically north.
/ˈkʌmpəs/
An instrument for determining direction
The hiker used her compass to avoid getting lost.
💡 Simply: Imagine a tiny magnet that always points North! That's a compass. Sailors use it to find their way on the sea. Builders use it to know where to build!
👶 For kids: It's a magical needle that always points North!
More Examples
My grandpa taught me how to use a compass when I was a kid.
How It's Used
"The sailor used a compass to navigate the stormy seas."
"The surveyor used a compass to measure the angles of the property."
A tool with two legs joined by a hinge, used for drawing circles or measuring distances.
/ˈkʌmpəs/
A pair of dividers used for drawing circles
I used a compass to draw a circle for my geometry homework.
💡 Simply: It's like a special pair of scissors that helps you draw perfect circles! Artists use it to create round shapes.
👶 For kids: It helps you draw perfect round circles!
More Examples
The architect used a compass to make precise measurements on the blueprint.
How It's Used
"The artist used a compass to draw a perfect circle."
Idioms & expressions
on the compass
Shown or indicated on a compass.
"The island was clearly on the compass."
From Old French compas, from Late Latin compassus, from Latin com- ‘together’ + passus ‘step’ (literally, ‘a stepping together’ or ‘measurement’)
The word 'compass' has been used in the context of navigation for centuries, evolving from a more general meaning of measurement.
Memory tip
Compass points to the North, like a compass rose.
Word Origin
"to measure, to step together"