radio compass

American  

noun

1. a radio receiver with a directional antenna for determining the bearing of the receiver from a radio transmitter.

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radio compass British  

noun

1. any navigational device that gives a bearing by determining the direction of incoming radio waves transmitted from a particular radio station or beacon See also goniometer

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Etymology

Origin of radio compass

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

radio compass

But radio compass bearings were relatively new navigational aids at the time and not trusted by veteran mariners.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 6, 2019

In California he worked under Dr. Frederick August Kolster, famed "father of the radio compass," at Federal Telegraph Co.,

From Time Magazine Archive

On the airway between Dayton, Ohio, and Moundsville, W. Va., the Army Air Service has installed a "radio compass," with electric oscillations flashing between the towers at either end of the airway.

From Time Magazine Archive

Lana had scarcely soared out of sight of Guadalcanal when it was discovered that the near-misses at the field had knocked out her radio and radio compass.

From Time Magazine Archive

The radio compass is dependable day or night, and is said to be quite as reliable as a sextant or other navigating instruments.

From Opportunities in Aviation by Sweetser, Arthur