atlas
atlas Lexical Profile
atlas Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A bound collection or volume of maps, charts, or plates, often detailing geographical, political, or climatic features.
"The students consulted a historical atlas to trace the changing national borders of Europe throughout the 20th century."
The topmost cervical vertebra of the spine in humans and other vertebrates, which supports the skull and allows for the nodding motion of the head.
"A fracture of the atlas can be a severe and life-threatening neck injury due to its proximity to the brainstem."
A carved stone figure of a male used in classical architecture as a supporting column or pillar.
"The grand neoclassical entrance was flanked by a pair of muscular atlases bearing the weight of the stone balcony."
• Rhymes for atlas
Word Origin & Etymology
Derived from Atlas, the Titan of Greek mythology condemned to hold up the heavens. The term was first applied to a collection of maps in 1595 by the cartographer Gerardus Mercator, who featured an illustration of the Titan on the title page.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.