Atlas

The definition of atlas is a book of maps or some type of information that includes pictures and/or tables and charts.

(noun)

An example of an atlas is a collection of road maps detailing each of the 50 states.

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See Atlas in Webster's New World College Dictionary

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
  3. Anat. the topmost vertebra of the neck
  4. Archit. atlantes

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

See Atlas in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun pl. at·las·es
  1. A book or bound collection of maps, sometimes with supplementary illustrations and graphic analyses.
  2. A volume of tables, charts, or plates that systematically illustrates a particular subject: an anatomical atlas.
  3. A large size of drawing paper, measuring 26 × 33 or 26 × 34 inches.

Origin:

Origin: After Atlas, probably from depictions of him holding the world on his shoulders that appeared on the frontispieces of early works of this kind

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noun pl. at·las·es
  1. pl. at·lan·tes (ăt-lănˈtēz) Architecture A standing or kneeling figure of a man used as a supporting column, as for an entablature or balcony.
  2. Anatomy The top or first cervical vertebra of the neck, which supports the skull.

Origin:

Origin: From Atlas

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noun
  1. Greek Mythology A Titan condemned by Zeus to support the heavens upon his shoulders.
  2. A satellite of Saturn.
  3. atlas A person who supports a great burden.

Origin:

Origin: Greek; see telə- in Indo-European roots

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