Ortelius

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A notable figure in the realm of cartography, associated with the creation of detailed maps and atlases during the Renaissance
2. Recognized for compiling an atlas that depicted the world's geography comprehensively
3. A pioneer in mapmaking whose works contributed significantly to the field of geography and navigation during his time

Etymology: Abraham Ortelius (1527–1598) was a Flemish map engraver and dealer in Antwerp who, in 1570, published "Theatrum Orbis Terrarum," usually considered the first modern atlas: a uniform collection of maps of uniform size, bound together rather than sold as loose sheets. Its success made him a celebrated figure, and he was named "geographer to King Philip II" of Spain. The name "Ortelius" was itself a Latinised form of his family surname, Ortels, a common scholarly habit of the period. Because of this, "Ortelius" has become a term of honour for the compiler of a standard reference work, and in English it is used with a capital letter as a name rather than as a common noun. Its use as a noun in the sense of "an atlas-maker" traces directly to his reputation, so the word is simply a surname that came to stand for his achievement.

Synonyms: cartographer, mapmaker