magnetic compass

noun

1. a compass having a magnetized needle generally in line with the magnetic poles of the earth.

magnetic compass

noun

1. a compass containing a magnetic needle pivoted in a horizontal plane, that indicates the direction of magnetic north at points on the earth's surface

Example Sentences

Thanks to the magnetic compasses hidden in volcanic rocks ancient and new, scientists know where each tectonic jigsaw piece has been over eons of time.

From Quanta Magazine

Sea turtles are born not just with a magnetic compass, but also with a magnetic map.

From Nautilus

Lohmann suspected that something more sophisticated than a magnetic compass alone keeps sea turtles on a safe trajectory.

From Nautilus

The magnetic compass has been for ages the mariner's guide over the trackless waters.

From Project Gutenberg

Thus we have testimony to the importance of these little vagaries on the part of the magnetic compass.

From Project Gutenberg

Altogether, then, it is not surprising that the old magnetic compass is somewhat unreliable.

From Project Gutenberg

We found there a penknife, a small magnetic compass, and many other remnants of the fall.

From Project Gutenberg

The needle of a magnetic compass serves very well as a magnetoscope.

From Project Gutenberg