atlas

/'ætləs/

Thân thiện

A student opens an atlas to study the geography of Europe.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A collection of maps in book form: A bound volume containing maps, often including geographical, political, or thematic information.
   • (Anatomy) The first cervical vertebra: The topmost vertebra of the spine, which supports the skull.
   • (Architecture) A figure of a man used as a supporting column: A sculpted male figure serving as an architectural support, also called a telamon.
   • (Greek Mythology) A Titan forced to bear the sky on his shoulders: In Greek mythology, Atlas was a Titan condemned by Zeus to hold up the heavens.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (Collection of Maps):
  • She consulted the atlas to find the capital of Mongolia.
  • The school library has a world atlas and a historical atlas.
• Noun (Anatomy):
  • An injury to the atlas can be very serious.
• Noun (Architecture):
  • The facade of the building was adorned with stone atlantes.
• Noun (Mythology):
  • The myth of Atlas explains why he is often depicted holding a globe.

Advanced Usage

• "To be an atlas of something": To be a comprehensive source or collection of information on a specific subject.
  • This book is an atlas of medieval trade routes.
• In cartography and publishing: The term is often part of compound titles specifying the atlas's focus (e.g., , ). These are considered distinct compound nouns.

Variants and Related Words

• Atlantes (n, plural): The plural form of the architectural figure.
• Atlantic (adj): Pertaining to the Atlantic Ocean, named after the Titan Atlas.
• Atlas moth (n): A very large species of moth, named for its size.
• Telamon (n): A synonym for the architectural atlas figure.

Synonyms

• Map book: For the collection of maps.
• C1 vertebra: For the anatomical term.
• Caryatid (n): A similar architectural support, but in the form of a female figure.

Related Phrases

• To carry the weight of the world on one's shoulders: An idiom derived from the myth of Atlas, meaning to bear a great burden of responsibility.
  • Since the promotion, he feels like he's carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders.

Học thuật

Noun

1. a figure of a man used as a supporting column
2. the 1st cervical vertebra
3. a collection of maps in book form
4. (Greek mythology) a Titan who was forced by Zeus to bear the sky on his shoulders

Từ đồng nghĩa

• telamon
• atlas vertebra
• book of maps
• map collection
• Atlas