| 单词 | compass |
| 释义 | compass —compassable, adj. —compassless, adj. /kum"peuhs/, n. 1. an instrument for determining directions, as by means of a freely rotating magnetized needle that indicates magnetic north. 2. the enclosing line or limits of any area; perimeter: You can find anything you want downtown within the compass of ten square blocks. 3. space within limits; area; extent; range; scope: the narrow compass of the strait; the broad compass of the novel. 4. Also called range. the total range of tones of a voice or of a musical instrument. 5. due or proper limits; moderate bounds: Their behavior stayed within the compass of propriety. 6. a passing round; circuit: the compass of a year. 7. 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. 8. (cap.) Astron. a. Also called Mariner's Compass. the constellation Pyxis. b. Compasses, the constellation Circinus. adj. 9. curved; forming a curve or arc: a compass timber; compass roof. v.t. 10. to go or move round; make the circuit of: It would take a week to compass his property on foot. 11. to extend or stretch around; hem in; surround; encircle: An old stone wall compasses their property. 12. to attain or achieve; accomplish; obtain. 13. to contrive; plot; scheme: to compass a treacherous plan. 14. to make curved or circular. 15. to comprehend; to grasp, as with the mind: His mind could not compass the extent of the disaster. [1250-1300; (v.) ME compassen < OF compasser to measure < VL *compassare, equiv. to compass(us) equal step (L com- COM- + passus PACE1) + -are v. suffix; (n.) ME compas < OF, deriv. of compasser] Syn. 3. See range. |
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