First Known Use: 1527
Dictionary
1map
noun \ˈmap\
: a picture or chart that shows the rivers, mountains, streets, etc., in a particular area
: a picture or chart that shows the different parts of something
Full Definition of MAP
1
a : a representation usually on a flat surface of the whole or a part of an area b : a representation of the celestial sphere or a part of it
2
: something that represents with a clarity suggestive of a map <the Freudian map of the mind — Harold Bloom>
3
: the arrangement of genes on a chromosome —called also genetic map
4
: function 5a
— map·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective
— all over the map
: marked by a high degree of variation
— on the map
: in a position of prominence or fame <had put the fledgling university on the map — Lon Tinkle>
See map defined for English-language learners
See map defined for kids
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Origin of MAP
Medieval Latin mappa, from Latin, napkin, towel
Related to MAP
- Synonyms
- chart
Other Cartography Terms
2map
verb
: to make a map of (something)
: to plan the details of (something)
mappedmap·ping
Full Definition of MAP
transitive verb
1
a : to make a map of <map the surface of the moon> b : to delineate as if on a map <sorrow was mapped on her face> c : to make a survey of for or as if for the purpose of making a map d : to assign (as a set or element) in a mathematical or exact correspondence <map picture elements to video memory>
2
: to plan in detail —often used with out <map out a program>
3
: to locate (a gene) on a chromosome
intransitive verb
1
of a gene : to be located
2
: to be assigned in a relation or connection <the major problems confronting humankind … do not map well onto the traditional disciplines — P. W. Porter>
— map·pa·ble \ˈma-pə-bəl\ adjective
— map·per noun
See map defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of MAP
1586
MAP
abbreviation
Definition of MAP
modified American plan
Map
biographical name \ˈmap\
Definition of MAP
Walter ca 1140–ca 1209 Eng. writer
MAPLIKE Defined for Kids
1map
noun \ˈmap\
Definition of MAP for Kids
1
: a picture or chart that shows the features of an area <a street map> <a map of Africa>
2
: a picture or chart of the sky showing the position of stars and planets
Word History of MAP
In the Latin of ancient Rome the word mappa was applied to a rectangular piece of cloth used as a towel, napkin, or small tablecloth. After the fall of the Roman Empire people still employed Latin as a written language, and mappa then seems to have been applied by land surveyors to squares of cloth on which they plotted land holdings. Eventually any representation of part of the earth's surface was called mappa, and this word was borrowed from Latin into English.
2map
verb
mappedmap·ping
Definition of MAP for Kids
1
: to make a map of <Astronomers are working to map the heavens.>
2
: to plan in detail <…I had not mapped out a scheme for determining the merits of officers… — Mark Twain, A Connecticut Yankee>
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Seen & Heard
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