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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 (gcide)

Compasses \Com"pass*es\, n., pl.
An instrument for describing circles, measuring figures,
etc., consisting of two, or (rarely) more, pointed branches,
or legs, usually joined at the top by a rivet on which they
move.
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Note: The compasses for drawing circles have adjustable pen
points, pencil points, etc.; those used for measuring
without adjustable points are generally called
dividers. See {Dividers}.
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{Bow compasses}. See {Bow-compass}.

{Caliber compasses}, {Caliper compasses}. See {Calipers}.

{Proportional}, {Triangular}, etc., {compasses}. See under
{Proportional}, etc.
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Proportional \Pro*por"tion*al\, n.
1. (Math.) Any number or quantity in a proportion; as, a mean
proportional.
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2. (Chem.) The combining weight or equivalent of an element.
[Obs.]
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Proportional \Pro*por"tion*al\, a. [L. proportionalis: cf. F.
proportionnel.]
1. Having a due proportion, or comparative relation; being in
suitable proportion or degree; as, the parts of an edifice
are proportional. --Milton.
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2. Relating to, or securing, proportion. --Hutton.
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3. (Math.) Constituting a proportion; having the same, or a
constant, ratio; as, proportional quantities; momentum is
proportional to quantity of matter.
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{Proportional logarithms}, logistic logarithms. See under
{Logistic}.

{Proportional scale}, a scale on which are marked parts
proportional to the logarithms of the natural numbers; a
logarithmic scale.

{Proportional} {scales, compasses, dividers}, etc.
(Draughting), instruments used in making copies of
drawings, or drawings of objects, on an enlarged or
reduced scale.
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