From the list
Compass
/ˈkʌm.pəs/
Today’s word is River.
What it means
- noun
A magnetic or electronic device used to determine the cardinal directions (usually magnetic or true north).
- noun
A pair of compasses (a device used to draw an arc or circle).
- noun
The range of notes of a musical instrument or voice.
Where it comes from
Compass comes from Old French compas, a circle or a measure, from Latin com-, together, and passus, a step. It first meant a measuring step, or a circle drawn with a pair of dividers. The magnetic compass, which lays out a circle of directions, took the name from that.
In a sentence
- Bring your compass along.by Aphima, Tatoeba
- Bring me the compass.by carlosalberto, Tatoeba
- Whose compass is this?by SabukHitam, Tatoeba
Quick check
What does compass mean? Tap one.
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