Compass

n. instrument that indicates magnetic north; boundary, limit

v. surround, encircle; comprehend, understand

COMPASS is an acronym for COMPrehensive ASSembler. COMPASS is a macro assembly language on Control Data Corporation's 3000 series, and on the 60-bit CDC 6000 series, 7600 and Cyber 70 and 170 series mainframe computers.There are two flavors of COMPASS on the 60-bit machines:COMPASS CP is the assembly language for the CP (Central Processor), the processor running user programs. See CDC 6600 CP architecture.COMPASS PP is the assembly language for the PP (Peripheral Processor), only running operating system code. See CDC 6600 PP architecture.
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A compass (or mariner's compass) is a navigational instrument for finding directions on the Earth. It consists of a magnetized pointer free to align itself accurately with Earth's magnetic field, which is of great assistance in navigation. The face of the compass generally highlights the cardinal points of north, south, east and west. A compass can be used in conjunction with a marine chronometer to calculate longitude) and a sextant to calculate latitude, providing a very accurate navigation capability. This device greatly improved maritime trade by making travel safer and more efficient. An early form of the compass was invented in China in the 11th century. The familiar mariner's compass was invented in Europe around 1300, from whence later originated the liquid compass and the gyrocompass.
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Noun
1. navigational instrument for finding directions
(hypernym) navigational instrument
(hyponym) gyrocompass
2. an area in which something acts or operates or has power or control: "the range of a supersonic jet"; "the ambit of municipal legislation"; "within the compass of this article"; "within the scope of an investigation"; "outside the reach of the law"; "in the political orbit of a world power"
(synonym) scope, range, reach, orbit, ambit
(hypernym) extent
(hyponym) approximate range, ballpark
3. the limit of capability; "within the compass of education"
(synonym) range, reach, grasp
(hypernym) capability, capableness, potentiality
(hyponym) sight, ken
4. drafting instrument used for drawing circles
(hypernym) drafting instrument
Verb
1. bring about; accomplish; "This writer attempts more than his talents can compass"
(hypernym) achieve, accomplish, attain, reach
(derivation) range, reach, grasp
2. travel around, either by plane or ship; "We compassed the earth"
(synonym) circumnavigate
(hypernym) circle
3. get the meaning of something; "Do you comprehend the meaning of this letter?"
(synonym) get the picture, comprehend, savvy, dig, grasp, apprehend
(hypernym) understand
(hyponym) figure

(v. t.)
To reach round; to circumvent; to get within one's power; to obtain; to accomplish.
  

(v. t.)
To purpose; to intend; to imagine; to plot.
  

(v. t.)
To inclose on all sides; to surround; to encircle; to environ; to invest; to besiege; -- used with about, round, around, and round about.
  

(v. t.)
To go about or entirely round; to make the circuit of.
  

(v. t.)
To curve; to bend into a circular form.
  

(n.)
The range of notes, or tones, within the capacity of a voice or instrument.
  

(n.)
Moderate bounds, limits of truth; moderation; due limits; -- used with within.
  

(n.)
Extent; reach; sweep; capacity; sphere; as, the compass of his eye; the compass of imagination.
  

(n.)
An instrument for determining directions upon the earth's surface by means of a magnetized bar or needle turning freely upon a pivot and pointing in a northerly and southerly direction.
  

(n.)
An inclosing limit; boundary; circumference; as, within the compass of an encircling wall.
  

(n.)
An inclosed space; an area; extent.
  

(n.)
A passing round; circuit; circuitous course.
  

(n.)
A pair of compasses.
  

(n.)
A circle; a continent.
  

COMPrehensive ASSembler.
The assembly language on CDC computers.
(1995-01-19)