At"las (#), 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 to bear. See Tolerate.]

1.

One who sustains a great burden.

2. Anat.

The first vertebra of the neck, articulating immediately with the skull, thus sustaining the globe of the head, whence the name.

3.

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.

4.

A volume of plates illustrating any subject.

5.

A work in which subjects are exhibited in a tabular from or arrangement; as, an historical atlas.

6.

A large, square folio, resembling a volume of maps; -- called also atlas folio.

7.

A drawing paper of large size. See under Paper, n.

Atlas powder, a nitroglycerin blasting compound of pasty consistency and great explosive power.

 

© Webster 1913.


At"las, n. [Ar., smooth.]

A rich kind of satin manufactured in India.

Brande & C.

 

© Webster 1913.