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REFERENCE

atlas

n.
US //ˈætɫəs// UK //ˈætləs// at·las
  1. 1 book of maps (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Geography

    a book that contains many maps of the world or a specific area.

    a bound collection of maps, often including geographical data, tables, and illustrations.

    Example

    We looked at the atlas to find the exact location of the island.

    Example

    The historical atlas provides a fascinating visual record of how national borders in Europe shifted throughout the nineteenth century.
    • map book
    • chartbook
  2. 2 Greek mythology (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Religion

    a giant from Greek stories who was forced to hold up the sky on his shoulders.

    a Titan in Greek mythology condemned by Zeus to support the celestial heavens on his shoulders.

    Example

    In the old stories, Atlas carries the weight of the world.

    Example

    The sculpture depicts Atlas straining under the immense weight of the celestial sphere, a classic symbol of endurance and burden.

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  1. 3 neck bone (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Medicine

    the very top bone of your spine that supports your head.

    the first cervical vertebra (C1), which supports the skull and allows for the nodding motion of the head.

    Example

    The doctor explained that the atlas bone helps you move your head up and down.

    Example

    A fracture of the atlas is a serious clinical condition that often requires immediate stabilisation of the upper cervical spine.
    • C1 vertebra
  2. 4 architectural column (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Architecture

    a stone carving of a man used like a pillar to hold up a roof.

    a support sculpted in the form of a man, used in place of a column or pilaster to support an entablature.

    Example

    The old building was decorated with stone figures called atlases.

    Example

    The baroque facade is famous for its muscular atlases that appear to struggle under the weight of the heavy stone balcony.
    • telamon
    • caryatid
  3. 5 visual collection of data (n.)
    C1 Advanced Academic

    a book or collection of detailed pictures and information about a specific subject.

    a bound collection of tables, charts, or illustrations providing a systematic overview of a complex subject.

    Example

    The medical student studied an atlas of human cells.

    Example

    The researchers published a comprehensive atlas of the brain, mapping every neural connection with unprecedented detail.

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