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 school was put on notice by its community, by parents of the school that the parking lot was unsafe,” said Robert Glassman, an attorney representing Cosmo’s parents.

From Los Angeles Times

Cosmo’s parents claim that students had to regularly walk through lines of moving traffic in the parking lot with no pedestrian pathways, and that the school’s protocol for school pickup violated state regulations.

From Los Angeles Times

Since Cosmo’s death, the school has changed how students are picked up, the suit says.

From Los Angeles Times

Glassman said the decision to file a lawsuit came after Cosmo’s parents were “stonewalled” by the school’s insurance company, and they were unable to reach a resolution.

From Los Angeles Times

“Had these basic safety measures been implemented before June 4, 2025, Cosmo and his classmates would not have been able to walk in between the vehicular traffic waiting in the pickup line at the end of school, and this tragedy would have been averted,” the suit alleges.

From Los Angeles Times