The Collaborative International Dictionary
Map \Map\ (m[a^]p), n. [From F. mappe, in mappemonde map of the world, fr. L. mappa napkin, signal cloth; -- a Punic word. Cf. Apron, Napkin, Nappe.]
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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.
Note: 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.
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Anything which represents graphically a succession of events, states, or acts; as, an historical map.
Thus is his cheek the map of days outworn.
--Shak.Map lichen (Bot.), a lichen ( Lecidea geographica.) growing on stones in curious maplike figures.
--Dr. Prior.
Wiktionary
n. (taxlink Rhizocarpon geographicum species noshow=1), a lichen that grows in patches on rocks in mountainous areas, giving the appearance of a map.
Usage examples of "map lichen".
On flat rocks he found the crustose lichens: button lichen, stud lichen, shield lichen, candel-laria, apple-green map lichen, and the red-orange jewel lichen that indicated a concentration of sodium nitrate in the regolith.