Atlas
/ˈætləs/
Definitions
2 meaningsA collection of maps, often bound together in a book, showing geographical features.
/ˈætləs/
A book of maps
I need an atlas to plan our road trip.
💡 Simply: A book filled with maps.
More Examples
The school library has a large atlas.
How It's Used
"We consulted the atlas to find the location of the Amazon rainforest."
"The students used the atlas to complete their geography assignment."
A book of anatomical charts or illustrations.
/ˈætləs/
A set of anatomical charts
The surgeon used the atlas to locate the artery.
💡 Simply: A book with pictures of the body.
How It's Used
"The medical student referred to the anatomical atlas for details on the human skeletal system."
From Greek mythology, Atlas, a Titan condemned to bear the heavens on his shoulders. The name was applied to books of maps because they bear the weight of geographical information.
Initially used solely for geographical maps, the term 'atlas' later expanded to include anatomical and other specialized chart collections.
Memory tip
Think of Atlas, the Titan holding the world – an atlas holds the world's maps.