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Answer 1. Nobody really knows.
Many years ago there was a verb in English ; to compass. It had several meanings which included "to measure a distance". Its origin was well known, from the Latin "to measure a distance by pacing it out". There are several archaic meanings, all of which are now expressed by the verb 'to encompass' q.v.
So far so good ; "to compass" has no mystery about it. What nobody can work out is how we got from the verb to the noun. A compass doesn't seem to have any connection with "to include" or "to pace out", and none of the verb meanings have anything to do with direction. Go figure.
Answer 2. Additionally:
It doesn't have to do with direction. The compass (compasses) is a bi-pole that's why it is defined as "a pair of compasses". It has to do with the line definition (two points define a line).
Answer 3. The second answer serves to further confuse a question which already confuses many people. The original answer only answered the question, which was "why is a compass called a compass ?" ; the answer assumed that the questioner knew what a compass was, and dealt only with the etymology of the word. Well, here's the answer to what the original questioner didn't ask.
- A compass has everything to do with direction. It is a device to indicate the direction of magnetic north, which navigators or surveyors can correct to true north by using tables of "magnetic variation". Local values of the variation are usually printed on the sides of maps and charts.
- A pair of compasses has nothing to do with direction. It is simply a pair of dividers with one of the points replaced by something that draws. It is used to describe an arc or draw a circle. Calling it "a compass" is now such a common solecism that some people don't even know what "a pair of compasses" is.
- The compass of something is the range, domain or extent of that something. To understand this meaning exactly look up "encompass" in a good dictionary. To clear the last bit of confusion, two examples
- Was the compass swung ? - Has our magnetic compass been adjusted ?
- What is the compass of our charts? - What area is covered by them ?
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∙ 12y ago
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What was the first compass called?
loadstone
Why was the ancient Chinese compass called the south pointing fish?
The ancient Chinese compass was called different things depending on the method used, but in the case of the fish compass, it was called that because the metal they used was cut into the shape of a fish to show directionality.Essentially:A sliver of steel or iron cut in a pointed shape, preferably the outline of a fish.Prepared by heater very red hot and quenched while being held pointed southWhen the compass is to be used a small bowl is filled with water and the tiny sliver of metal is placed on the water. The surface tension supports it and it will function as a compass pointing south.
What does navigation instruments mean?
its basically compass and something else called a jackstaff
What was the effect of improved methods of navigation for portuguese in the 1420?
they envented a navigation tool called the magnetic compass.
Why do you use iron in compass needles?
Because the iron used in the needle (A lodestone I think it is sometimes called) is naturally attracted to the magnetic north of the planet, so in theory the compass will always tell you which direction north is.
Why is the golden compass called the golden compass?
its called that because it is a compass that is golden
What is the moveable bar in a compass called?
A compass magnet or a compass needle.
What is that movie called where animals are your soul?
The Golden Compass.
What are the four points on a compass called?
The cardinal points of the compass are North, East, South and West. Another name for them is the cardinal directions.
What is the compass smybol on the map called?
An orientation or compass rose Your welcome for the tip!
What is the French name for compass?
a compass is called "une boussole" (fem.) in French.
Is there a shoe brand called compass?
No
What is a direction on a map called?
compass
What was the first compass called?
loadstone
What is a compass mounting called?
gimbel
What is the arrow inside a compass called?
a needle
What is a watch called that tells direction?
compass
