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.
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.