Definition:Compass/Also known as

Compass: Also known as

Some sources refer to a compass as compasses.

See the linguistic note.

Linguistic Note

A compass should strictly be called a pair of compasses (using the same idea as a pair of scissors), but this is considered pedantic.

Note, however, that compass is also the word for a navigational aid based upon the north-pointing property of a magnetized needle.

If there exists any risk of confusion, then pair of compasses is preferred.

Sources

• 1969: C.R.J. Clapham: Introduction to Abstract Algebra ... (previous) ... (next): Chapter $8$: Field Extensions: $\S 40$. Construction with Ruler and Compasses
• 1989: Ephraim J. Borowski and Jonathan M. Borwein: Dictionary of Mathematics ... (previous) ... (next): compasses
• 1998: David Nelson: The Penguin Dictionary of Mathematics (2nd ed.) ... (previous) ... (next): compass (compasses)
• 2008: David Nelson: The Penguin Dictionary of Mathematics (4th ed.) ... (previous) ... (next): compass (compasses)