map (m?p)n.1. a. A representation, usually on a plane surface, of a region of the earth or heavens.b. Something that suggests such a representation, as in clarity of representation.2. Mathematics The correspondence of elements in one set to elements in the same set or another set.3. Slang The human face.4. Genetics A genetic map.tr.v. mapped, map·ping, maps 1. a. To make a map of.b. To depict as if on a map: Grief was mapped on his face.2. To explore or make a survey of (a region) for the purpose of making a map.3. To plan or delineate, especially in detail; arrange: mapping out her future.4. Genetics To locate (a gene or DNA sequence) in a specific region of a chromosome in relation to known genes or DNA sequences.5. Mathematics To establish a mapping of (an element or a set).Idioms: all over the map1. In, from, or to a variety of places; ubiquitously.2. Showing great variety; varied or diverse: “Literary nonfiction is all over the map and has been for three hundred years” (William Zinsser). put on the map To make well-known, prominent, or famous. wipe off the map To destroy completely; annihilate.[From Middle English mapemounde, from Old French mapemond, from Medieval Latin mappa (mund?), map (of the world), from Latin, napkin, cloth (on which maps were drawn), perhaps of Punic origin; see npy in Semitic roots.]map?pa·ble adj.map?per n.MAPabbr. modified American planAmerican Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.MapsSee also geography;representation;travel. aerocartographythe process of mapmaking by means of aerial survey.cartographythe production of maps, including construction of projections, design, compilation, drafting, and reproduction. Also chartography, chartology. ? cartographer, n. ? cartographic, adj.chorography1. a description, map, or chart of a particular region or area.2. the art of preparing such descriptions or maps. ? chorographer, n. ? chorographic, adj.loxodromea rhumb line or curve on the surface of a sphere intersecting all meridians at the same angle; hence, the course of a ship or aircraft following a constant compass direction. ? loxodromic, adj.photogrammetrythe use of photography for surveying or map-making.phototopographysurveying or map-making by means of photography. ? phototopographic, phototopographical, adj.planispherea map showing half or more of the sphere of the heavens, indicating which part is visible at what hour from a given location. ? planispheric, planispherical, adj.topography1. the detailed mapping or description of the features of a relatively small area, district, or locality.2. the relief features or surface configuration of an area. ? topographer, n. ? topographic, adj.-Ologies & -Isms. Copyright 2008 The Gale Group, Inc. All rights reserved.