WordWeb Online

1. Navigational instrument for finding directions
    
2. An area in which something acts or operates or has power or control
   "within the compass of this article"
   - scope, range, reach, orbit, ambit
    
3. The limit of capability
   "within the compass of education"
   - range, reach, grasp
    
4. Drafting instrument used for drawing circles

1. Travel around, either by plane or ship
   "We compassed the earth"
   - circumnavigate
    
2. Get the meaning of something
   - grok [N. Amer], get the picture, comprehend, savvy, dig, grasp, apprehend
    
3. [archaic] Bring about; accomplish
   "This writer attempts more than his talents can compass"

Derived forms: compassing, compassed, compasses

Type of: accomplish, achieve, attain, capability, capableness, circle, drafting instrument, extent, navigational instrument, potentiality, reach, understand

Encyclopedia: Compass