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.
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
; -- 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.
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.
© Webster 1913.
At"las, n. [Ar., smooth.]
A rich kind of satin manufactured in India.
Brande & C.
© Webster 1913.