atlas etymology

Etymology

The word "atlas" derives from Greek mythology, specifically the Titan Atlas.

Meaning

  • Geography: A collection of maps, charts, or other geographical information, usually bound together in a book.
  • Anatomy: The first cervical vertebra, which supports the head.

Origin

In Greek mythology, Atlas was the Titan who held up the heavens on his shoulders as punishment for rebelling against Zeus. As a result of his strength and enduring weight, his name became associated with things that support or carry burdens.

In 1595, Flemish geographer and cartographer Gerardus Mercator published a collection of maps titled "Atlas Sive Cosmographia." This publication was named after Atlas, as the maps carried the burden of geographic information. The term "atlas" has since been used to refer to similar collections of maps.

In anatomy, the term "atlas" was first used in the 16th century to describe the first cervical vertebra. The shape and function of this vertebra, which supports the head, are reminiscent of Atlas holding up the heavens.

atlas relate terms

  • Atlantean

    Etymology Atlantis Derives from Ancient Greek Ατλαντίς Atlantís meaning i

  • atlas

    Etymology The word atlas derives from Greek mythology specifically the Titan Atlas M

  • Atlantis

    Etymology The name Atlantis comes from the Greek word Atlas the name of a Titan in G

  • Atlantic

    Etymology The word Atlantic derives from the Greek mythology character Atlas a Titan w

  • atlas

    Etymology The word atlas derives from Greek mythology specifically the Titan Atlas M

  • Maia

    Etymology Greek Μάια Maia Meaning Great Mother or Nurse Origin Mai

  • Electra

    Etymology The name Electra is derived from the Greek word elektron meaning amber

  • alpha

    Etymology Greek ἄλφα alpha Meaning The first letter of both the Greek and

  • extol

    Etymology From Old French extoller from Latin extollere extollere meaning to lift u

  • satin

    Etymology Middle English satyn from Anglo French satin from Medieval Latin sattu nu

  • reference

    Etymology is the study of the origin and development of words and their meanings It exami

  • column

    Etymology Meaning Origin column vertical support or p

  • pillar

    Etymology The word pillar comes from the Late Latin word pilare meaning to support