cache information close 

Atlas Hear it!

Atlas definition

At·las (atləs)

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

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

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Comments
Improve this definition.
Do you have more to add? Share your linguistic knowledge or observation.
/Register to save your comments.