compass

Everyday

1. An instrument with a magnetic needle that always points north, used to find directions. tree →
2. A tool with two arms, one with a point and one with a pencil, used to draw circles; in British English often called "compasses" or "a pair of compasses". tree →
3. "Compass points" are north, south, east and west. tree →
4. To compass something is to achieve or bring it about, an old-fashioned use. tree →

In the lessons

In geography and outdoor safety, a compass and map help you find your way; the four main points are north, east, south and west, often remembered as "Never Eat Soggy Weetabix" or "Never Eat Shredded Wheat". In science, a compass works because the Earth is like a giant magnet. In maths, you draw circles with compasses and set the arms apart to the radius. Phrases: compass points, compass needle, read a compass, moral compass.

Examples

• The compass needle points north. tree →
• We used a map and compass on the hike. tree →
• Set the compasses to 5 centimetres to draw a circle with a radius of 5 cm. tree →
• The four compass points are north, south, east and west. tree →
• Keep magnets away from the compass. tree →
• The sailors steered by compass. tree →
• He has more cleverness than ten thousand men, and he found means to compass his end. tree →

Note

Countable: a compass, compasses. In maths, the gap between the compass point and pencil is the radius, so the circle's width (diameter) is twice that. A compass points to magnetic north, which is close to, but not exactly, the North Pole. Safety: compasses for drawing have a sharp point.

In Jewish tradition

In the Torah, to compass means to go around or surround a place. The Psalms and prophets use it for enemies, death or trouble that surround a person like a trap. In the primary lessons: In geography and outdoor safety, a compass and map help you find your way; the four main points are north, east, south and west, often remembered as "Never Eat Soggy Weetabix" or "Never Eat Shredded Wheat". In science, a compass works because the Earth is like a giant magnet. In maths, you draw circles with compasses and set the arms apart to the radius. Phrases: compass points, compass needle, read a compass, moral compass.

Examples

• 'Ye have compassed this mountain long enough; turn you northward. (Torah DEU.2.3, JPS 1917) tree →
• But before they lay down, the men of the city, even the men of Sodom, compassed the house round, both young and old, all the people from every quarter. (Torah GEN.19.4, JPS 1917) tree →
• Then we turned, and took our journey into the wilderness by the way to the Red Sea, as the LORD spoke unto me; and we compassed mount Seir many days. (Torah DEU.2.1, JPS 1917) tree →
• For the waves of Death compassed me. (Prophets 2SA.22.5, JPS 1917) tree →
• From the wicked that oppress, my deadly enemies, that compass me about. (Writings PSA.17.9, JPS 1917) tree →
• He hath builded against me, and compassed me with gall and travail. (Writings LAM.3.5, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Countable: a compass, compasses. In maths, the gap between the compass point and pencil is the radius, so the circle's width (diameter) is twice that. A compass points to magnetic north, which is close to, but not exactly, the North Pole. Safety: compasses for drawing have a sharp point.