/
ˈmʌɪkrə(ʊ)kɒz(ə)m/
n.
- a thing regarded as encapsulating in miniature the characteristics of something much larger.
- humankind regarded as the representation in miniature of the universe.
Derivative
- microcosmic
/-ˈkɒzmɪk/
adj. - microcosmically
/-ˈkɒzmɪk(ə)li/
adv.
Etymology
ME: from OFr. microcosme or med. L. microcosmus, from Gk mikros kosmos ‘little world’.