ATLAS

atlas. Atlas, n. a collection of maps, joint, rich silk

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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. 1. One who sustains a great burden.
2. 2. (Anat.) The first vertebra of the neck, articulating immediately with the skull, thus sustaining the globe of the head, whence the name.
3. 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. 4. A volume of plates illustrating any subject.
5. 5. A work in which subjects are exhibited in a tabular from or arrangement; as, an historical atlas.
6. 6. A large, square folio, resembling a volume of maps; — called also atlas folio.
7. 7. A drawing paper of large size. See under Paper, n.
Atlas powder, a nitroglycerin blasting compound of pasty consistency and great explosive power.