noun
compass
A two-armed tool for drawing circles or measuring distances.
She draws a circle with a compass.
Etymology
The older word concerns circular extent and measurement. The drawing instrument embodies both: its fixed span measures distance while its rotating arm traces a circle.
More examples
- Set the compass to the required radius.
- He placed one point of the compass at the center.
- The geometry kit includes a pair of compasses.
Forms
compass · compasses
Similar words
- divider
- A similar tool with two pointed legs, usually for transferring distances.