Compass - Definition

n 1: navigational instrument for finding directions
2: an area in which something acts or operates or has power or
control: "the range of a supersonic jet"; "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" [syn:
scope, range, reach, orbit, compass, ambit]
3: the limit of capability; "within the compass of education"
[syn: compass, range, reach, grasp]
4: drafting instrument used for drawing circles
v 1: bring about; accomplish; "This writer attempts more than
his talents can compass"
2: travel around, either by plane or ship; "We compassed the
earth" [syn: circumnavigate, compass]
3: get the meaning of something; "Do you comprehend the meaning
of this letter?" [syn: grok, get the picture,
comprehend, savvy, dig, grasp, compass,
apprehend]