GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

Found 2 definitions

1.       
   Atlas , n.; pl. Atlases . [L. Atlas, -antis, Gr. , , one of the older family of gods, who bears up the pillars of heaven; also Mt. Atlas, in W. Africa, regarded as the pillar of heaven. It is from the root of τλῆναι to bear. See Tolerate.]
   One who sustains a great burden.
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   (Anat.) The first vertebra of the neck, articulating immediately with the skull, thus sustaining the globe of the head, whence the name.
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   A collection of maps in a volume; -- supposed to be so called from a picture of Atlas supporting the world, prefixed to some collections. This name is said to have been first used by Mercator, the celebrated geographer, in the 16th century.
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   A volume of plates illustrating any subject.
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   A work in which subjects are exhibited in a tabular from or arrangement; as, an historical atlas.
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   A large, square folio, resembling a volume of maps; -- called also atlas folio.
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   A drawing paper of large size. See under Paper, n.
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   Atlas powder, see Atlas powder in the vocabulary; a blasting compound containing nitroglycerin.
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2.       
   Atlas, n. [Ar., smooth.] A rich kind of satin manufactured in India.
   Brande & C.
   
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