Definition of map

The word "map" has its roots in Old French and Latin. The Old French term "mappe," meaning "folder" or "bundle," was borrowed from the Latin word "mappa," which referred to a napkin or cloth used to wipe the mouth. In the 13th century, the term "map" emerged in English, initially referring to a collective term for a set of documents or papers, including maps. Over time, the meaning of "map" shifted to specifically refer to a graphical representation of an area, typically created to aid navigation and spatial understanding. Today, the word "map" is used to describe various forms of cartography, from simple sketches to advanced digital representations of the world.