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compass in French

compass in French is boussole, compas, ambitus — compass means a device with a magnetic needle (or an electronic equivalent) that points to show direction, especially north.

compass in French

boussole
noun
A magnetic or electronic device used to determine the cardinal directions (usually magnetic or true north).
compas
noun
A magnetic or electronic device used to determine the cardinal directions (usually magnetic or true north).
ambitus
noun
(music) The range of notes of a musical instrument or voice.
étendue
noun
(obsolete) A space within limits; an area.
portée
noun
(obsolete) A space within limits; an area.

What does "compass" mean?

  1. noun A device with a magnetic needle (or an electronic equivalent) that points to show direction, especially north.
    "She checked her compass to make sure the trail was heading north."
  2. noun A hinged drawing tool with two arms, used to draw circles or measure distances on a map or diagram.
    "He used a compass to draw a perfect circle for the diagram."
  3. noun The overall range or scope of something, such as a voice or a set of abilities.
    "The topic was beyond the compass of a single lecture."
  4. verb To surround or encircle something completely.
    "Thick forest compassed the old cabin on every side."
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compass in a sentence

  • She checked her compass to make sure the trail was heading north.
  • Old sailing ships relied on a compass to navigate open water.
  • He used a compass to draw a perfect circle for the diagram.
  • Our maths teacher asked us to bring a ruler and a compass to the next lesson.

Similar words in French

Common French translations

Frequently asked questions

What is "compass" in French?
"compass" in French is boussole, compas, ambitus. compass means: A device with a magnetic needle (or an electronic equivalent) that points to show direction, especially north.
How do you use "compass" in a sentence?
Example: "She checked her compass to make sure the trail was heading north." In French, "compass" is boussole, compas, ambitus.
Are there other ways to say "compass" in French?
Yes — French has 5 translations listed for "compass": boussole, compas, ambitus, étendue, portée.
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Translations from WikDict, CC BY-SA · example sentences from Tatoeba, CC BY 2.0 FR.