magnetic compass

device used to determine direction by using a metal needle that always points toward the north

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. compass based on an indicator (as a magnetic needle) that points to the magnetic north
(hypernym) compass
(hyponym) compass card, mariner's compass
(part-meronym) magnetic needle

An instrument containing a freely suspended magnetic element which displays the direction of the horizontal component of the earth's magnetic field at the point of observation. 1/2/74

Instrument utilisant un équipage magnétique suspendu pour indiquer la direction du nord magnétique. 1/2/74

n. เข็มทิศ (syn. compass)