AT'LAS, n. 1. A collection of maps in a volume; supposed to be so called from a picture of mount Atlas, supporting the heavens, prefixed to some collection. 2. A large square folio, resembling a volume of maps. 3. The supporters of a building. 4. A silk satin, or stuff, manufactured in the east, with admirable ingenuity. Atlasses are plain, striped, or flowered; but they have not the fine gloss and luster of some French silks. 5. The first vertebra of the neck. 6. A term applied to paper, as atlas fine.
nounEtymology: Latin Atlant-, Atlas, from Greek Date: 1513 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 usuallyatlantes a male figure used like a caryatid as a supporting column or pilaster — called also telamon
n. 1 a book of maps or charts. 2 Anat. the cervical vertebra of the backbone articulating with the skull at the neck. Etymology: L f. Gk Atlas -antos a Titan who held up the pillars of the universe, whose picture appeared at the beginning of early atlases
Atlas At"las, n.; pl. Atlases. [L. Atlas, -antis, Gr. ?, ?, one of the older family of gods, who bears up the pillars of heaven; also Mt. Atlas, in W. Africa, regarded as the pillar of heaven. It is from the root of ? to bear. See Tolerate.] 1. One who sustains a great burden. 2. (Anat.) The first vertebra of the neck, articulating immediately with the skull, thus sustaining the globe of the head, whence the name. 3. A collection of maps in a volume; Note: supposed to be so called from a picture of Atlas supporting the world, prefixed to some collections. This name is said to have been first used by Mercator, the celebrated geographer, in the 16th century. 4. A volume of plates illustrating any subject. 5. A work in which subjects are exhibited in a tabular from or arrangement; as, an historical atlas. 6. A large, square folio, resembling a volume of maps; -- called also atlas folio. 7. A drawing paper of large size. See under Paper, n. Atlas powder, a nitroglycerin blasting compound of pasty consistency and great explosive power.