a diagrammatic representation of the earth's surface (or part of it)
"We spread out the map on the kitchen table to plan our road trip across the country."
(mathematics) a mathematical relation such that each element of a given set (the domain of the function) is associated with an element of another set (the range of the function)
"In our group project, we defined a map from the set of real numbers to the set of integers by rounding every input value down."
A visual representation of an area, whether real or imaginary, showing the relative positions of places and other features.
"When we booked our stay at the resort last summer, I asked if they still offered the MAP since it used to save us money by skipping lunch while covering breakfast and dinner."
Initialism of modified American plan, a hotel rate that included accommodation, breakfast and dinner, but not lunch.
In plain English: A map is a flat drawing that shows where places are located on the ground.
"Please open your map to find the nearest gas station."
Usage: As a noun, map refers to a diagram or chart showing the features of an area, such as streets, terrain, or political boundaries. Do not confuse this with "MAP," which is an outdated hotel rate code for plans including breakfast and dinner but excluding lunch.
explore or survey for the purpose of making a map
"We haven't even begun to map the many galaxies that we know exist"
locate within a specific region of a chromosome in relation to known DNA or gene sequences
"map the genes"
To represent by means of a map.
"The city planner asked the designer to map out the new subway routes on the large wall chart."
In plain English: To map something means to draw its layout or figure out how to get from one place to another.
"We need to map out our route before we leave for the trip."
Usage: As a verb, to map means to create or draw a detailed diagram or plan of an area rather than just representing it on paper. Use this term when describing the act of charting a course, outlining a strategy, or designing a layout for a specific space or process.
Initialism of multiple aim point.
"The soldier checked his radio to confirm that M.A.P. was still active for coordinating airstrikes on enemy positions."
In plain English: Map describes something that is arranged or organized in a clear, logical way.
"The map app showed us the route to the nearest gas station."
Usage: Use "MAP" in all capital letters only when referring to the military acronym MAP (Multiple Aim Point). Do not use it as an adjective for regular maps or directions, as that is incorrect usage.
The word "map" is a shortened form of the Middle English term mappemounde, which originally meant "world map." This phrase comes from Medieval Latin mappa mundī, combining words for "napkin" and "world," before entering English to describe a representation of the earth.