noun
atlas
AT-luhs/ˈætləs/
a reference collection of maps or detailed illustrations
The open atlas displays geographic maps across its two facing pages.
Etymology
Atlas, the mythological bearer of the heavens, appeared holding up the world in early map collections. His name, used in a map book’s title, became the ordinary term for such a collection.
In context
This is back before GPS and cell phone cell phones with maps. So, I had to like use an atlas and figure out how to get there.
More examples
- The anatomy atlas contains detailed illustrations of the nervous system.
- Several old atlases show borders that no longer exist.
- A digital atlas lets students compare rainfall across regions.
Forms
atlas · atlases
Similar words
- map
- Usually shows one area rather than a collected reference work.
- gazetteer
- Primarily lists places and information about them rather than maps.