map

¹

[map]

noun

1. a representation, usually on a flat surface, as of the features of an area of the earth or a portion of the heavens, showing them in their respective forms, sizes, and relationships according to some convention of representation.

   a map of Canada.

   Synonyms: diagram, outline, plan

2. a maplike delineation, representation, or reflection of anything.

   The old man's face is a map of time.

3. Mathematics.,  function.

4. Slang.,  the face.

   Wipe that smile off that ugly map of yours.

5. Genetics.,  genetic map.

verb (used with object)

mapped, mapping 

1. to represent or delineate on or as if on a map.

2. to sketch or plan (often followed byout ).

   to map out a new career.

Map

²

Also Mapes

[map]

noun

1. Walter, c1140–1209?, Welsh ecclesiastic, poet, and satirist.

MAP

³

abbreviation

1. modified American plan.

Map

¹

/ mæp, ˈmeɪpiːz, mæps /

noun

1. Walter. ?1140–?1209, Welsh ecclesiastic and satirical writer. His chief work is the miscellany De Nugis curialium

map

²

/ mæp /

noun

1. a diagrammatic representation of the earth's surface or part of it, showing the geographical distributions, positions, etc, of natural or artificial features such as roads, towns, relief, rainfall, etc

2. a diagrammatic representation of the distribution of stars or of the surface of a celestial body

   a lunar map

3. a maplike drawing of anything

4. maths another name for function

5. a slang word for face

6. no longer important or in existence (esp in the phrase wipe off the map )

7. to make (a town, company, etc) well-known

verb

1. to make a map of

2. maths to represent or transform (a function, figure, set, etc) See also map out

   the results were mapped onto a graph

3. (intr) to fit in with or correspond to

map

1. A representation of a region of three-dimensional space, such as of the Earth or a part of the universe, usually on a two-dimensional plane surface.

2. See also projection

3. See genetic map

Other Word Forms

• mappable adjective
• mapper noun
• remap verb (used with object)
• self-mapped adjective
• unmappable adjective
• unmapped adjective
• well-mapped adjective
• mapless adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of map¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English mappe-(mounde), from Medieval Latin mappa mundī “map of the world,” special use of Latin mappa “napkin,” said to be from Punic; perhaps compare Mishnaic Hebrew mapāh “tablecloth”

Word History and Origins

Origin of map¹

C16: from Medieval Latin mappa ( mundi ) map (of the world), from Latin mappa cloth

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. off the map, out of existence; into oblivion.

   Whole cities were wiped off the map.

2. put on the map, to bring into the public eye; make known, famous, or prominent.

   The discovery of gold put our town on the map.

see put on the map; wipe off the map.

Synonym Study

Map, chart, graph refer to representations of surfaces, areas, or facts. Map most commonly refers to a representation of the surface of the earth or a section of it, or an area of the sky: a map of England. A chart may be an outline map with symbols conveying information superimposed on it, a map designed especially for navigators on water or in the air, a diagram, or a table giving information in an orderly form: a chart of the shoals off a coast. A graph may be a diagram representing a set of interrelated facts by means of dots or lines on a coordinate background; or it may use small figures (people, animals, machines, etc.) appropriate to the facts being represented, each figure standing for a specific number in statistics being given: a graph of the rise in population from 1900 to 1980.

Example Sentences

The maps, historically drawn in smoke-filled backrooms, protected incumbents and created bizarrely shaped districts, such as the “ribbon of shame” along the California coast.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The world’s greatest armada was allowed to rot in the harbor, and the Chinese court burned maps to prevent future voyages.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

But this wine geek was particularly excited by the enormous interactive map inside.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

The psychological novel gained prominence as the 19th-century world became mapped and colonized, the mind offering a new realm for discovery.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

He pored over maps, laid down tracks and improved rail service tirelessly.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• design 
• drawing 
• graph 
• outline 
• picture 
• plan 
• print 
• sketch