cosmo-

American  

1. a combining form meaning “world,” “universe,” used in the formation of compound words: cosmography; in contemporary usage, sometimes representing Russian kosmo-, it may mean “outer space,” “space travel,” or “cosmic ray”: cosmonaut .

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cosmo- British  

combining form

1. indicating the world or universe

   cosmology

   cosmonaut

   cosmography

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Usage

What does cosmo- mean? Cosmo- is a combining form used like a prefix meaning “world” or "universe." In some cases, it represents "outer space."Cosmo- comes from the Greek kósmos, variously meaning “order, good order, government, world order, the universe.” The Greek kósmos is ultimately the source of the English words cosmos, cosmic, cosmopolitan, and cosmetics, among others. What does makeup have to do with the universe? Find out at our entry for the word.What are variants of cosmo-?When combined with words or word elements that begin with a vowel, cosmo- becomes cosm-, as in cosmism.When used as the final element of a compound word, cosmo- becomes -cosm, as is microcosm.

Etymology

Origin of cosmo-

From Greek kosmo-, combining form of kósmos “order, good order, government, world order, the universe”; cosmos

Example Sentences

The ‘90s are back with a vengeance. Low-rise jeans, frosty lip gloss, baguette bags, fur boots — the whole Y2K closet has been ripped open and dumped all over TikTok. Gen-Z has been single-handedly keeping the eBay reseller market alive. And now that drinks trends are starting to catch up to fashion, the Cosmo’s younger, more “phone-eats-first” cousins have followed.

From Salon

“It’s the Cosmo effect,” he continues.

From Salon

“Anytime anyone sees a Cosmo, it’s so pretty, more people order Cosmos. People like eye-catching things. And also there’s social media… these drinks look very good on Instagram.”

From Salon

The Colony Club and the Cosmo Club have asked about hosting events with Jackson.

From New York Times

“His name is Cosmo. We love him very much. Privacy would be greatly appreciated.”

From Los Angeles Times