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Definition of microcosm

microcosm

/ˈmaɪkɹoʊˌkɑːzəm/
mi · cro · cosm
Adverb:microcosmically
•
Plural:microcosms
•
Adjective:microcosmic
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microcosm Lexical Profile

microcosm Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A community, place, or situation regarded as encapsulating in miniature the characteristic qualities or features of something much larger.

Example

"The diverse university campus serves as a microcosm of the modern global society."

2

Humanity or a human being viewed in philosophical tradition as an epitome or miniature reflection of the universe.

Example

"Renaissance thinkers frequently explored the correspondence between the human microcosm and the celestial macrocosm."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Nearby Words

microclimate
microcomputer
microcontroller
microcosm
microcredit
microcystin
microdose

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from Old French microcosme, from Medieval Latin microcosmus, and ultimately from the Ancient Greek phrase mikros kosmos, meaning 'little world'. In classical and medieval philosophy, it originally referred to a human being viewed as a miniature reflection of the entire universe.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Microcosm. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/microcosm
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