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Atlas definition

At·las (at′ləs)

noun

  1. Gr. Myth. a Titan compelled to support the heavens on his shoulders
  2. any person who carries a great burden
    1. a book of maps: Atlas supporting the earth was often pictured on the front page of such books
    2. a book of tables, charts, illustrations, etc. on a specific subject or subjects an anatomical atlas
  4. Anat. the topmost vertebra of the neck
  5. Archit. atlantes

Etymology: L < Gr < prothetic a- + tlan, bearing < IE base *tel-, *tla-, to lift, bear > tolerate, thole

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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