atlas
0 antonyms and opposites of atlas, grouped by meaning.
Noun — A book of maps, often with extra tables, charts, or explanatory text.
How to use atlas
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From the Titan Atlas in Greek myth, condemned to carry the sky on his shoulders. The mapmaker Mercator used an image of Atlas holding the globe on the cover of his 16th-century map collection, and the name stuck for any book of maps.
Full origin of atlas →Frequently asked questions
What does “atlas” mean?
The word “atlas” means a book of maps, often with extra tables, charts, or explanatory text. In plain terms, a collection of maps (or similar reference charts) bound together like a book — or, in anatomy, the neck bone the skull rests on.
How do you pronounce “atlas”?
“Atlas” is pronounced AT-luhs (/ˈætləs/ in IPA).
How do you use “atlas” in a sentence?
Here is “atlas” used in a sentence: “She pulled out the old road atlas to plan the route before her phone died.”
What part of speech is “atlas”?
“Atlas” is a noun.
Where does the word “atlas” come from?
The word “atlas” dates back to around 1500 and comes from Greek.
Is “atlas” a common word?
“Atlas” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “atlas” have?
“Atlas” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a book of maps, often with extra tables, charts, or explanatory text.
What is the difference between an atlas and a map?
A map is a single representation of an area, while an atlas is a bound book of maps, often supplemented with tables, charts, or explanatory text covering a wider geographic scope. An atlas therefore collects many maps together rather than showing just one.
Why is the neck bone called the atlas?
The topmost bone of the neck is called the atlas because, like the mythological figure who bore the weight of the sky, this bone supports the skull and allows it to nod. It sits at the very top of the spine, directly beneath the head.
Can atlas refer to something other than a book of maps?
Yes, besides a book of maps, atlas can also describe a bound collection of tables, charts, or illustrations on a particular subject, such as an anatomical atlas, as well as the topmost neck bone that supports the skull.