# atlas

/ˈætɫəs/ (US) · /ˈætləs/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/atlas
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. book of maps

noun · CEFR B1

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

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

- We looked at the atlas to find the exact location of the island.
- The historical atlas provides a fascinating visual record of how national borders in Europe shifted throughout the nineteenth century.

### 2. Greek mythology

noun · CEFR B2

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

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

- In the old stories, Atlas carries the weight of the world.
- The sculpture depicts Atlas straining under the immense weight of the celestial sphere, a classic symbol of endurance and burden.

### 3. neck bone

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

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

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

- The doctor explained that the atlas bone helps you move your head up and down.
- A fracture of the atlas is a serious clinical condition that often requires immediate stabilisation of the upper cervical spine.

### 4. architectural column

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

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

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

- The old building was decorated with stone figures called atlases.
- The baroque facade is famous for its muscular atlases that appear to struggle under the weight of the heavy stone balcony.

### 5. visual collection of data

noun · CEFR C1 · Academic

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

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

- The medical student studied an atlas of human cells.
- The researchers published a comprehensive atlas of the brain, mapping every neural connection with unprecedented detail.

## Examples

- I looked at the atlas to find the capital city.
- The students opened their school atlas to locate the different mountain ranges across the continent.
- While digital navigation has largely replaced physical maps, a comprehensive historical atlas remains an essential tool for understanding how national borders have shifted over the centuries.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.