boussole
Boussole is the French term for a compass, a navigational instrument that shows direction relative to the magnetic north. It typically consists of a magnetized needle or a magnetic card that can rotate freely inside a housing. In many models the needle is mounted in a liquid-filled capsule to damp oscillations, and a rotating bezel or a protractor-scale allows the user to read bearings in degrees. When oriented, the device aligns with Earth’s magnetic field, providing a reference for navigation.
The magnetic compass originated in China, with navigation use dating to the Song dynasty in the 11th
There are several types used today: marine compasses (magnetic and gyro-stabilized), pocket compasses, and baseplate or
In modern contexts, digital compasses with magnetometers are common in smartphones, tablets, and cars, often integrated