Atlantis
/ətˈlæn.tɪs/noun
A legendary island civilization described by Plato as having sunk beneath the sea.
Did you know?The name Atlantis comes from Plato’s Greek Ἀτλαντὶς νῆσος, meaning “island of Atlas,” tying the myth to the Titan who held up the sky.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
Ἀτλαντὶς νῆσος
““Island of Atlas,” the name Plato gave to the legendary island”
4th Century BCE
Greek
Ἀτλαντὶς
“A feminine form meaning “of Atlas” or “belonging to Atlas””
Late Antiquity
Greek
Ἀτλαντὶς
“The fabled island described in Plato’s dialogues”
16th Century
Latin/European
Atlantis
“The classical name enters learned European discussion of the lost island”
Modern English
English
Atlantis
“A mythical lost island or advanced ancient civilization”
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