| 释义 |
WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2024com•pass /ˈkʌmpəs, ˈkɑm-/USA pronunciation n. [countable]- Geographyan instrument for determining directions.
- SurveyingOften, compasses. [plural] a V-shaped instrument for drawing circles, measuring distances, etc.
- space within limits;
area;
extent;
range;
scope;
limit: the broad compass of the novel.
See -pass-1. WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2024com•pass (kum′pəs),USA pronunciation n. - Geographyan instrument for determining directions, as by means of a freely rotating magnetized needle that indicates magnetic north.
- the enclosing line or limits of any area;
perimeter:You can find anything you want downtown within the compass of ten square blocks. - space within limits;
area;
extent;
range;
scope:the narrow compass of the strait; the broad compass of the novel. - Music and DanceAlso called range. the total range of tones of a voice or of a musical instrument.
- due or proper limits;
moderate bounds:Their behavior stayed within the compass of propriety. - a passing round;
circuit:the compass of a year. - Often, compasses. an instrument for drawing or describing circles, measuring distances, etc., consisting generally of two movable, rigid legs hinged to each other at one end (usually used with pair of ):to spread the legs of a compass and draw a larger circle.
- Astronomy(cap.)
- Also called Mariner's Compass. the constellation Pyxis.
- Compasses, the constellation Circinus.
adj. - curved;
forming a curve or arc:a compass timber; compass roof.
v.t. - to go or move round;
make the circuit of:It would take a week to compass his property on foot. - to extend or stretch around;
hem in;
surround;
encircle:An old stone wall compasses their property. - to attain or achieve;
accomplish;
obtain. - to contrive;
plot;
scheme:to compass a treacherous plan. - to make curved or circular.
- to comprehend;
to grasp, as with the mind:His mind could not compass the extent of the disaster.
- Old French, derivative of compasser
- Vulgar Latin *compāssāre, equivalent. to compāss(us) equal step (Latin com- com- + pāssus pace1) + -āre verb, verbal suffix; (noun, nominal) Middle English compas
- Old French compasser to measure
- (verb, verbal) Middle English compassen 1250–1300
- 3.See corresponding entry in Unabridged See range.
Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers:: compass /ˈkʌmpəs/ n - an instrument for finding direction, usually having a magnetized needle which points to magnetic north swinging freely on a pivot
- Also called: pair of compasses (often plural) an instrument used for drawing circles, measuring distances, etc, that consists of two arms, joined at one end, one arm of which serves as a pivot or stationary reference point, while the other is extended or describes a circle
- limits or range: within the compass of education
- the interval between the lowest and highest note attainable by a voice or musical instrument
vb (transitive)- to encircle or surround; hem in
- to comprehend or grasp mentally
- to achieve; attain; accomplish
- obsolete to plot
Etymology: 13th Century: from Old French compas, from compasser to measure, from Vulgar Latin compassāre (unattested) to pace out, ultimately from Latin passus stepˈcompassable adj |