Compass

Portuguese Meaning

English Meaning

1. A device used to determine geographic direction, usually consisting of a magnetic needle or needles horizontally mounted or suspended and free to pivot until aligned with the earth's magnetic field.
2. Another device, such as a radio compass or a gyrocompass, used for determining geographic direction.
3. A V-shaped device for describing circles or circular arcs and for taking measurements, consisting of a pair of rigid, end-hinged legs, one of which is equipped with a pen, pencil, or other marker and the other with a sharp point providing a pivot about which the drawing leg is turned. Also called pair of compasses.
4. An enclosing line or boundary; a circumference: outside the compass of the fence. See Synonyms at circumference.
5. A restricted space or area: four huge crates within the compass of the elevator.
6. Range or scope, as of understanding, perception, or authority: "Lacking a coherent intellectual and moral commitment, [he] was forced to find his compass in personal experience” ( Doris Kearns Goodwin). See Synonyms at range.
7. Music See range.
8. To make a circuit of; circle: The sailboat compassed the island.
9. To surround; encircle. See Synonyms at surround.
10. To understand; comprehend.
11. To succeed in carrying out; accomplish. See Synonyms at reach.
12. To scheme; plot.
13. Forming a curved configuration.
14. Semicircular. Used of bow windows.