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Glite Dictionary
compass card

compass card

6.7
A round disc on a compass that turns so its north mark points to magnetic north
  • noun
  • /ˈkʌmpəs kɑrd/
  • Specialized
translation icon : tarjeta de brújula
  • The captain checked the compass card to ensure the ship stayed on course.

Examples

  • A properly balanced compass card is essential for accurate navigation at sea.

  • During the storm, the spinning of the compass card made it difficult to determine the correct heading.

  • The compass card always points north.

  • He adjusted the compass card before setting off.

  • The navigator checked the compass card to determine their exact heading towards the north.

  • To find the right direction, he studied the compass card closely in the dim light.

  • When sailing, it's essential to align the ship's direction with the compass card for accurate navigation.

Surface Forms

compass card singular
compass cards plural

Morphology

compass + card

The meaning is directly derivable from combining 'compass' (a device indicating north) with 'card' (a flat piece used to display information); it denotes the card component of a compass. This is a straightforward noun–noun compound following regular English composition patterns, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents would readily understand it.

Etymology

Compass card comes from a simple, literal object: a round card inside a compass that is marked with directions and turns so its 'north' mark points to the Earth's north. That's why compass card means the marked disk that shows your 'direction' on a compass.