n.; pl. Atlases [ L. Atlas, -antis, Gr. &unr_;, &unr_;, 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 tlh^nai to bear. See Tolerate. ] 1. One who sustains a great burden. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. (Anat.) The first vertebra of the neck, articulating immediately with the skull, thus sustaining the globe of the head, whence the name. [ 1913 Webster ] 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. [ 1913 Webster ] 4. A volume of plates illustrating any subject. [ 1913 Webster ] 5. A work in which subjects are exhibited in a tabular from or arrangement; as, an historical atlas. [ 1913 Webster ] 6. A large, square folio, resembling a volume of maps; -- called also atlas folio. [ 1913 Webster ] 7. A drawing paper of large size. See under Paper, n. [ 1913 Webster ]
Atlas powder, see Atlas powder in the vocabulary; a blasting compound containing nitroglycerin. [ 1913 Webster ]
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