Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/ˈat.ləs/

Definitions

• 1. A collection of maps, typically in book form, showing geographical areas, countries, or regions.
• 2. A person who holds or supports something, often metaphorically referring to a person carrying a great burden (from the Titan Atlas in Greek mythology).
• 3. A set of charts or tables, often dealing with other fields like anatomy, astronomy, or other sciences.

Usage Examples

• The atlas of the world includes detailed maps of every country and continent.
• He studied the atlas to prepare for his geography exam.
• The atlas was filled with diagrams of the human body for medical students.

Etymology

The word "atlas" is derived from the Greek Titan "Atlas," who was condemned to hold up the sky or heavens for eternity, often depicted in ancient mythology as carrying the globe on his shoulders. The term was first used by the French cartographer Gerardus Mercator in the 16th century to refer to a collection of maps.

Synonyms

• Map collection
• Geographical guide
• Chartbook
• World map

Antonyms

• Uncharted
• Blank
• Desolate

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

The pronunciation of "Atlas" generally remains consistent across many languages, though regional accents may slightly influence the vowel sounds. For example, in European languages like French and Italian, the "a" is pronounced with a longer vowel sound, while in English, the "a" is more clipped. In some Asian languages like Mandarin and Japanese, the pronunciation is adapted to the phonetic rules of the respective language.

Historical Usage

The term "Atlas" was first used by the Flemish cartographer Gerardus Mercator in the 16th century to describe a collection of maps. The name was inspired by the Titan Atlas from Greek mythology, who was tasked with carrying the heavens on his shoulders. Since then, atlases have evolved, expanding beyond geographical maps to include various forms such as anatomical, astronomical, and historical atlases.

Cultural Nuances

In modern usage, the word "atlas" often evokes the idea of a comprehensive collection of maps, though it can also be used metaphorically to refer to any comprehensive guide or collection on a specific subject. For example, "The Atlas of Human Anatomy" is a detailed guide to the human body, while "The Atlas of Space" covers various astronomical bodies and phenomena. In some contexts, an atlas can also refer to a person who carries a great burden, in reference to the mythical figure of Atlas.

More Information

The use of atlases has grown with advancements in cartography and printing. In the past, atlases were often hand-drawn and meticulously created by scholars. Today, atlases are produced using modern technology, allowing for highly detailed and interactive maps. Digital atlases have also become popular, offering real-time data on various regions, climate patterns, and population demographics. Despite these technological advancements, the term "atlas" remains synonymous with exploration and understanding of the world.