compass (
http://definr.com/compass)
n 1: navigational instrument for finding directions
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" [syn:
scope,
range,
reach,
orbit,
ambit]
3: the limit of capability; "within the compass of education"
[syn:
range,
reach,
grasp]
4: drafting instrument used for drawing circles
v 1: bring about; accomplish; "This writer attempts more than his
talents can compass"
2: travel around, either by plane or ship: "We compassed the
earth" [syn:
circumnavigate]
3: get the meaning of something; "Do you comprehend the meaning
of this letter?" [syn:
get the picture,
comprehend,
savvy,
dig,
grasp,
apprehend]