der Atlas
atlas
A book that contains a collection of geographic, political, or thematic maps.
EXAMPLE
Für den Erdkundeunterricht brauchen wir einen neuen Welt-Atlas.
For geography class, we need a new world atlas.
der Atlas
atlas
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Meanings
der Atlas
atlas vertebra
In anatomy, the uppermost cervical vertebra, which supports the skull.
EXAMPLE
Eine Blockade des Atlas kann zu Kopfschmerzen und Verspannungen führen.
A blockage of the atlas vertebra can lead to headaches and tension.
der Atlas
Atlas
In Greek mythology, a Titan who was condemned to carry the vault of heaven on his shoulders.
EXAMPLE
Die Statue zeigte den Titanen Atlas, der die Weltkugel stemmt.
The statue showed the Titan Atlas holding up the globe.
Usage tips
Common origin
All meanings of the word go back to the Titan Atlas from Greek mythology. Because he carried the sky, his name was used both for the uppermost cervical vertebra, which carries the head, and for the first map collections, which often showed an image of him.
EXAMPLE
Die Figur des Atlas verbindet Mythologie, Anatomie und Geografie.
The figure of Atlas connects mythology, anatomy, and geography.
Context clues
The context makes the meaning of 'Atlas' clear. If it is about geography, books, or maps, the map collection is meant. If doctors or physiotherapists are talking about the neck, head, or spine, the cervical vertebra is meant. In connection with Greek gods and myths, the Titan is meant.
EXAMPLE
Für die Reiseplanung schlug sie die Route im Atlas nach.
For planning the trip, she looked up the route in the atlas.
Typical collocations
When 'Atlas' is a book, it is often used with verbs like 'nachschlagen' (to look up), 'benutzen' (to use), or 'konsultieren' (to consult). You look something up in an atlas.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe die genaue Lage der Stadt im Atlas nachgeschlagen.
I looked up the exact location of the city in the atlas.
Technical term
In the meaning of the cervical vertebra, 'Atlas' is a medical technical term from anatomy. In everyday life, you will rarely hear this word unless someone is talking about specific health problems.
EXAMPLE
Der Arzt erklärte, dass die Schmerzen von einer Blockade des Atlas kommen.
The doctor explained that the pain was coming from a blockage of the atlas vertebra.
In real life
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