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Added 9 October 2026

compass

/ˈkʌm.pəs/ noun

In Latin: pyxis Wiktionary

noun Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about compass at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

A magnetic or electronic device used to determine the cardinal directions (usually magnetic or true north).
A pair of compasses (a device used to draw circular arcs and transfer length measurements).
The range of notes of a musical instrument or voice.

verb

To surround; to encircle; to environ; to stretch round.
To go about or round entirely; to traverse.
To accomplish; to reach; to achieve; to obtain.

adverb

In a circuit; round about.

Origin

From Middle English compas (“a circle, circuit, limit, form, a mathematical instrument”), from Old French compas, from Medieval Latin compassus (“a circle, a circuit”), from Latin com- (“together”) + passus (“a pace, step, later a pass, way, route”); see pass, pace.

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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