English dictionary · noun

microcosm

Human nature or the human body as representative of the wider universe; man considered as a miniature counterpart of divine or universal nature.

Meaning and definitions

1. Human nature or the human body as representative of the wider universe; man considered as a miniature counterpart of divine or universal nature.
2. The human body; a person.
3. A smaller system which is seen as representative of a larger one.

Connected roots

• micro-

  small

• cosm-

  order, world, universe

Explore the word family

These words share a recorded root connection. A shared root is a learning clue; it does not establish every step in a word’s history.

• microphone

  an instrument for converting sound waves into electrical energy

• microscope

  an instrument for magnifying very small objects

• cosmopolitan

  familiar with and at ease in many different countries and cultures

• cosmology

  the science of the origin and development of the universe

• microbiome

  The genetic information (genomes) of a microbiota.

• microbe

  Any microorganism; (loosely, nonscientifically) especially, a harmful bacterium.

• cosmonaut

  An astronaut, especially a Russian or Soviet one.

• micrometer

  A device used to measure distance very precisely but within a limited range, especially depth, thickness, and diameter.

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