[kuhm-puh
s] 
| 1. | an instrument for determining directions, as by means of a freely rotating magnetized needle that indicates magnetic north. |
| 2. | the enclosing line or limits of any area; perimeter: You can find anything you want downtown within the compass of ten square blocks. |
| 3. | space within limits; area; extent; range; scope: the narrow compass of the strait; the broad compass of the novel. |
| 4. | Also called range. the total range of tones of a voice or of a musical instrument. |
| 5. | due or proper limits; moderate bounds: Their behavior stayed within the compass of propriety. |
| 6. | a passing round; circuit: the compass of a year. |
| 7. | Often, compasses. an instrument for drawing or describing circles, measuring distances, etc., consisting generally of two movable, rigid legs hinged to each other at one end (usually used with pair of): to spread the legs of a compass and draw a larger circle. |
| 8. | (initial capital letter) Astronomy.
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| 9. | curved; forming a curve or arc: a compass timber; compass roof. |
| 10. | to go or move round; make the circuit of: It would take a week to compass his property on foot. |
| 11. | to extend or stretch around; hem in; surround; encircle: An old stone wall compasses their property. |
| 12. | to attain or achieve; accomplish; obtain. |
| 13. | to contrive; plot; scheme: to compass a treacherous plan. |
| 14. | to make curved or circular. |
| 15. | to comprehend; to grasp, as with the mind: His mind could not compass the extent of the disaster. |
compass (kŭm'pəs) Pronunciation Key
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