Illustration of atlas
- atlas 5
1
Atlas
: 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
Atlas
: 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 usually atlantes
ət-ˈlan-(ˌ)tēz
at-
: a male figure used like a caryatid as a supporting column or pilaster
called also telamon
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Word History of Atlas
In Greek mythology, giants ruled the world in an early age. Their rule was overthrown after a mighty battle with other gods. Atlas was one of these giants, and after their defeat, the story goes, he was forced to hold up the sky on his shoulders. In the 16th century, the Flemish mapmaker Gerardus Mercator published a collection of maps. On the title page he showed a picture of Atlas supporting his burden. Mercator gave the book the title Atlas. Later collections of maps included similar pictures of Atlas, and came to be called atlases.
Cite this Entry
“Atlas.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/atlas. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.
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