noun
compass
KUM-pus/ˈkʌmpəs/
An instrument that indicates direction relative to magnetic north.
The compass needle points toward north.
Etymology
The roots connect with pacing out and measuring, leading to the name of the circle-drawing instrument. The magnetic direction-finder perhaps received the same name because it too was round and had a point.
In context
Compass turned toward the magnet. But when we turn that off, it's going to turn back and point to the north. What that tells us is compass doesn't point to the north.
More examples
- We checked the compass before leaving the trail.
- A magnet interfered with the compass reading.
- She carried a compass and a paper map.
Forms
compass · compasses
Similar words
- magnetometer
- Measures magnetic fields rather than necessarily displaying directions.