microcosm

English

/ˈmaɪ.kɹə(ʊ)ˌkɒzəm/, /ˈmaɪ.kɹoʊˌkɑzəm/

noun
Definitions
  • Human nature or the human body as representative of the wider universe; man considered as a miniature counterpart of divine or universal nature.
  • (obsolete) The human body; a person.
  • A smaller system which is seen as representative of (of) a larger one.
  • (ecology) A small natural ecosystem; an artificial ecosystem set up as an experimental model.

Etymology

Derived from French microcosme.

Origin

French

microcosme

Gloss

Timeline

Distribution of cognates by language

Geogrpahic distribution of cognates

Cognates and derived terms