map

¹map

noun \ˈmap\

Definition of MAP

1

a : a representation usually on a flat surface of the whole or a part of an area

b : a representation of the celestial sphere or a part of it

2

: something that represents with a clarity suggestive of a map <the Freudian map of the mind — Harold Bloom>

3

: the arrangement of genes on a chromosome —called also genetic map

4

: function 5a

— map·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

— all over the map

: marked by a high degree of variation

— on the map

: in a position of prominence or fame <had put the fledgling university on the map — Lon Tinkle>

Examples of MAP

1. a map of the country
2. different maps of the world
3. “Can you find where we are on the map?” “Sorry: I'm no good at reading maps.”
4. “How do I get to the station?” “Here, let me draw you a map.”
5. a map of the brain

Origin of MAP

Medieval Latin mappa, from Latin, napkin, towel

First Known Use: 1527

Related to MAP

Synonyms

chart

Related Words

ground plan, plan, plat, plot; relief map

Other Cartography Terms

Robinson projection, benchmark, plat, projection, topography

Rhymes with MAP

cap, chap, clap, crap, flap, frap, gap, gape, hap, knap, lap, Lapp, nap, nape, nappe, pap, rap, sap, scrap, slap, snap, strap, tap, trap, wrap, yap, Yap, zap

²map

verb

mappedmap·ping

Definition of MAP

transitive verb

1

a : to make a map of <map the surface of the moon>

b : to delineate as if on a map <sorrow was mapped on her face>

c : to make a survey of for or as if for the purpose of making a map

d : to assign (as a set or element) in a mathematical or exact correspondence <map picture elements to video memory>

2

: to plan in detail —often used with out <map out a program>

3

: to locate (a gene) on a chromosome

intransitive verb

1

of a gene : to be located

2

: to be assigned in a relation or connection <the major problems confronting humankind … do not map well onto the traditional disciplines — P. W. Porter>

— map·pa·ble \ˈma-pə-bəl\ adjective

— map·per noun

Examples of MAP

1. The coastline was mapped by early explorers.

First Known Use of MAP

1586

MAP

abbreviation

Definition of MAP

modified American plan

Map

biographical name \ˈmap\

Definition of MAP

Walter ca 1140–ca 1209 Eng. writer

map

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Graphic representation, drawn to scale and usually on a flat surface, of features—usually geographic, geologic, or geopolitical—of an area of the Earth or of any celestial body. Globes are maps represented on the surface of a sphere. Cartography is the art and science of making maps and charts. Major types of maps include topographic maps, showing features of the Earth's land surface; nautical charts, representing coastal and marine areas; hydrographic charts, which detail ocean depths and currents; and aeronautical charts, which detail surface features and air routes.