atlas

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; -- Note: 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. Note: 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. A rich kind of satin manufactured in India. Brande & C.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913), United States public domain. See methodology for full licensing detail. Word validity for game play may differ from any official game dictionary.