Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Atlas
At′las
,Noun.
pl.
Atlases
. [L.
Atlas
, -antis
, Gr. [GREEK], [GREEK], 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 τλῆναι
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
; – 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
, Noun.
Atlas powder
, see
Atlas powder
in the vocabulary; a blasting compound containing nitroglycerin.At′las
,Noun.
[Ar., smooth.]
A rich kind of satin manufactured in India.
Brande & C.
Webster 1828 Edition
Atlas
AT'LAS
,Noun.
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.