1A publication giving examples of a series of shades of a number of colours, to aid identification, selection of matching shades, etc.; compare colour chart.
2An atlas illustrated in colour.
Origin
Early 20th century.
Definition of colour atlas in US English:
colour atlas
(UScolor atlas)
noun
1A publication giving examples of a series of shades of a number of colours, to aid identification, selection of matching shades, etc.; compare colour chart.