atlas
/ˈætləs/
noun
Origin
Ancient Greek
Ἄτλας — bearer, sufferer, or enduring one
Overview
Meaning Now
- A collection of maps, usually bound together in a volume.
- The first cervical vertebra, which supports the head.
Literal older meaning
bearer or supporter
Language path
Ancient Greek → Latin → English
Earliest form
atlas
Earliest period
16th century
Journey
In Greek mythology, Atlas was a Titan who led the war against Zeus. As punishment, he was forced to hold up the celestial spheres (or the Earth) for eternity. The term became associated with map collections after Flemish cartographer Gerardus Mercator featured an illustration of Atlas supporting a globe on the title page of his 1595 collection.
Evolution
- Ancient Greek
Ἄτλας
“The Titan condemned to hold up the heavens”
Mythological figure
- Latin
Atlas
“The Titan”
Introduced through classical literature
- Early Modern English
atlas
“A book of maps”
Mercator depicted Atlas on the cover of his collection
Connections
Word parts
atlas
root
The mythological Titan
Explore next
Related to atlas
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.