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    compass

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    compass
    com‧pass /ˈkʌmpəs/ noun
     Date: 1300-1400
     Language: Old French
     Origin: compas 'measure, circle, compass', from compasser 'to measure', from Vulgar Latin compassare 'to measure by walking', from Latin com- ( ⇨ COM-) + passus (, pace1)

    1. [countable] an instrument that shows directions and has a needle that always points north:
        a map and compass
        compass points/points of the compass (=the marks on a compass that show you north, south, east, west etc)
    2.
       [countable] (also compasses) a V-shaped instrument with one sharp point and a pen or pencil at the other end, used for drawing circles or measuring distances on maps
    3. [uncountable] formal the area or range of subjects that someone is responsible for or that is discussed in a book
        compass of
        Within the brief compass of a single page, the author covers most of the major points.
         
    COLLOCATIONS
    ■ phrases
       ▪ the points of the compass/compass points (=the marks that show you north, south, east etc) She was teaching the children the points of the compass.
       ▪ a map and compass Always take a map and compass with you in the mountains.
    ■ compass + NOUN
       ▪ the compass needle (=the long piece of metal that moves to show north)
       ▪ a compass bearing/reading (=a direction shown by a compass) We took a compass bearing to ensure we were walking in the right direction.
       ▪ compass error Their ship had sailed off course due to compass errors.
    ■ verbs
       ▪ use a compass Some of the kids were learning how to use a map and compass.
       ▪ set a compass (=adjust it so that the needle and the north mark are in line with each other) Wait until the needle settles, then set the compass.
       ▪ a compass shows something Our compass showed that we should bear right.