magnetic compass
The 'magnetic compass' is a crucial navigational tool that has been used for centuries to determine direction by aligning with the Earth's magnetic field.
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Definition
B1Navigation
(general)A device with a magnetized needle that aligns with Earth's magnetic field to indicate direction.
Example
- Sailors rely on a magnetic compass to navigate the seas.
- The magnetic compass needle always points towards the Magnetic North Pole.
C1Biology
(technical)A hypothesized organ in some animals that helps them align with Earth's magnetic field.
Example
- Scientists are studying birds to understand how their magnetic compass works.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "magnetic compass":
magnetic bearingmagnetic deviationmagnetic variationmagnetic fieldmoral compassmagnetic polebox the compasstrue northcompass deflection