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Map

1. A representation of the surface of the earth, or of some portion of it, showing the relative position of the parts represented; usually on a flat surface. Also, such a representation of the celestial sphere, or of some part of it.

there are five principal kinds of projection used in making maps: the orthographic, the stereographic, the globuar, the conical, and the cylindrical, or Mercator's projection. See projection.

2. Anything which represents graphically a succession of events, states, or acts; as, an historical map. Thus is his cheek the map of days outworn.

(Science: botany) (Shak) map lichen, a lichen (Lecidea geographica) growing on stones in curious maplike figures.

Origin: From f. Mappe, in mappemonde map of the world, fr. L. Mappa napkin, signal cloth; a Punic word. Cf. Apron, Napkin, nappe.