atlas

noun at·las \ ˈat-ləs \

|Updated on: 31 May 2018

Editor's Note: Word History of atlas

Definition of atlas

1 capitalized : a Titan who for his part in the Titans' revolt against the gods is forced by Zeus to support the heavens on his shoulders

2 capitalized : one who bears a heavy burden

3 a : a bound collection of maps often including illustrations, informative tables, or textual matter

b : a bound collection of tables, charts, or plates

4 : the first vertebra of the neck

5 plural usually atlantes play \ət-ˈlan-(ˌ)tēz, at-\ : a male figure used like a caryatid as a supporting column or pilaster — called also telamon

See atlas defined for English-language learners

See atlas defined for kids

Examples of atlas in a Sentence

a road atlas of the U.S.

Recent Examples of atlas from the Web

In June 2007, the atlas says, 17 nests and three eggs were observed on the island through aerial photographs.

— hasan dudar, Detroit Free Press, "Pelicans flocking to Michigan's Pointe Mouillee as population grows," 26 May 2018
In the same way that an HD television screen has a higher resolution than a standard definition screen, an HD map is much more detailed than your road atlas.

— jonathan m. gitlin, Ars Technica, "This app features super-accurate GPS, and I can’t figure out how it works," 10 Apr. 2018
Get our daily newsletter The result is a stellar atlas of unprecedented size and accuracy—as well as great beauty.

— The Economist, "For the first time, astronomers have a reliable map of the heavens," 26 Apr. 2018
Richhart said police found road atlases, plastic laminating sheets and a receipt for fishing line but no other fishing gear in the home.

— vic ryckaert, Indianapolis Star, "Police say they know the identity of thief who uses bill on a string to rip off car washes," 24 Apr. 2018
Some star charts count nine, while others—including National Geographic's star atlas—count ten.

— National Geographic, "No, the World Will Not End on April 23," 13 Apr. 2018
The Mecklenburg breeding bird atlas provided a baseline of the status and distribution of species for future comparisons.

— bruce henderson, charlotteobserver, "Carolina birders took notes for 150 years. Many of the species they saw are gone. | Charlotte Observer," 12 Apr. 2018
Other species confirmed for the first time in this edition of the atlas include Mississippi kite, blue grosbeak and canvasback.

— paul a. smith, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Bird survey finds 224 species breeding in Wisconsin," 6 Jan. 2018
And on a positive note, trumpeter swans have increased substantially in number and distribution since the first atlas.

— paul a. smith, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Bird survey finds 224 species breeding in Wisconsin," 6 Jan. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'atlas.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History of atlas

In Greek mythology, giants ruled the world in an early age. Their rule was overthrown after a mighty battle with other gods. Atlas was one of these giants, and after their defeat, the story goes, he was forced to hold up the sky on his shoulders. In the 16th century, the Flemish mapmaker Gerardus Mercator published a collection of maps. On the title page he showed a picture of Atlas supporting his burden. Mercator gave the book the title Atlas. Later collections of maps included similar pictures of Atlas, and came to be called atlases.

Illustration of atlas

Origin and Etymology of atlas

Latin Atlant-, Atlas, from Greek

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1583

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

Other Cartography Terms

Robinson projection, benchmark, plat, projection, topography

ATLAS Defined for English Language Learners

atlas

noun

Definition of atlas for English Language Learners

: a book of maps

ATLAS Defined for Kids

atlas

noun at·las \ ˈat-ləs \

Definition of atlas for Students

: a book of maps

Medical Dictionary

atlas

noun at·las \ ˈat-ləs \

medical Definition of atlas

: the first vertebra of the neck

Biographical Note for atlas

Atlas, Greek mythological character. In Greek legend Atlas was a Titan who took part in the revolt against the gods. As a punishment he was condemned to hold the heavens aloft forever. Atlas was usually represented as a human figure bearing the heavens or the celestial globe upon his shoulders.