atlas
noun (countable)
UK/ˈæt.ləs/US/ˈæt.ləs/
The first cervical vertebra of the spine, supporting the skull.
Example Sentences
The atlas supports the weight of the skull and allows for head movement.
In anatomy class, we learned that the atlas is crucial for neck flexibility.
Injuries to the atlas can severely affect spinal alignment.
The atlas bone connects directly to the skull, enabling nodding motions.
Proper alignment of the atlas is essential for maintaining good posture.
The chiropractor focused on adjusting the atlas to relieve neck pain.
Advanced imaging techniques can help diagnose issues with the atlas.
Yoga poses that involve head movements can strengthen the atlas.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
How to Use
A book or resource compiling maps or charts, often supplemented with geographical details and statistics.An “atlas” usually comes in book or digital form, offering maps of various scales—world, regional, or specialized. Traditionally, print atlases present general geographic features (like mountains, rivers, roads) alongside thematic data (political boundaries, demographics, climate). In modern times, digital atlases incorporate interactive layers—allowing users to zoom in on topographic details, track population changes, or visualize trade routes. Students, travelers, and researchers turn to atlases to learn about diverse regions, plan journeys, or compare historical and current data. Whether it’s a casual flip through an old world atlas or a deep dive into an online mapping portal, the term “atlas” highlights an organized, reliable resource for geographic exploration.
Alternatives
If you’re describing a less formal or partial map collection, “map collection” or “cartographic resource” may fit. “Gazetteer” can denote a listing of place names and coordinates, though it’s typically more textual than graphical. “Atlas” remains the standard word for a structured volume or online repository of maps, often enhanced with short descriptions or statistics. In a more specialized field—like astronomy—you might hear “star atlas,” focusing on celestial charts instead of Earth’s geography.
Writing
When referencing an atlas in writing, clarify its scope or relevance—e.g., “The historical atlas showed how borders shifted over centuries.” In academic or scholarly contexts, note which edition or publisher, since atlases can differ in detail or perspective. If examining cartography’s evolution, you might highlight how newer atlases incorporate satellite imagery or dynamic data overlays, contrasting older, static map compilations. In educational materials, detail how to read legends, interpret symbols, or use indices to find specific locations. By conveying both the atlas’s structure (like indexes, color keys, reference systems) and its utility (learning about terrain, routes, or demographic trends), you show why it’s a foundational geographic tool.
Casual Conversation
In everyday talk, someone might mention “I checked an atlas” while planning a road trip or referencing a historical boundary. With smartphones providing maps, physical atlases are less common but still treasured by geography enthusiasts or people who enjoy exploring the ‘big picture.’ Friends could joke, “I’d need an atlas to find that tiny town,” or talk about “dusting off the old atlas” for an old-school approach to planning. Some might also use “atlas” figuratively—like describing a major resource for any complex reference as “an atlas of information,” though that’s a bit poetic or hyperbolic. Overall, day-to-day usage centers around the concept of turning to a definitive map collection for orientation or curiosity.
Etymology
“Atlas” derives from the mythological Titan Atlas, condemned to hold the heavens on his shoulders. The 16th-century cartographer Gerardus Mercator used Atlas’ image on his map collections’ frontispieces, symbolizing the figure who “supports the world.” Over time, “atlas” came to represent any book or compilation of maps. While the word’s origin is deeply tied to Greek mythology, its modern sense focuses on collating geographic or thematic maps, reflecting how a single resource can ‘carry’ knowledge of the world’s layout.