macrocosm

[ mak-ruh-koz-uhm ]

noun

1. the great world or universe; the universe considered as a whole ( microcosm ).
2. the total or entire complex structure of something:

   the macrocosm of war.

3. a representation of a smaller unit or entity by a larger one, presumably of a similar structure.

macrocosm

/ ˈmækrəˌkɒzəm /

noun

1. a complex structure, such as the universe or society, regarded as an entirety, as opposed to microcosms, which have a similar structure and are contained within it
2. any complex entity regarded as a complete system in itself

macrocosm

1. A representation of something on a much larger scale. ( Compare microcosm .)

Derived Forms

• ˌmacroˈcosmic, adjective
• ˌmacroˈcosmically, adverb

Other Words From

• macro·cosmic adjective
• macro·cosmi·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of macrocosm¹

1590–1600; < French macrocosme < Medieval Latin macrocosmus. See macro-, cosmos

Word History and Origins

Origin of macrocosm¹

C16: via French and Latin from Greek makros kosmos great world

Example Sentences

You can see its effects in the macrocosm of HIV infections.

From The Daily Beast

Does it stand to reason that the knowledge of ourselves should interest us less than that of the macrocosm, the external world?

From Project Gutenberg

In short, each monad is a kind of deity in itself—a microcosm representing all the great features of the macrocosm.

From Project Gutenberg

The Nous is in fact the god within, and it bears to the microcosm Man the relation which the infinite God bears to the macrocosm.

From Project Gutenberg

He thought that “each plant was in a sympathetic relation with the Macrocosm and consequently with the Microcosm.”

From Project Gutenberg

The universe consists of three worlds; the archetypal (God), the macrocosm (the world), the microcosm (man).

From Project Gutenberg