macrocosm

American  

[mak-ruh-koz-uhm] / ˈmæk rəˌkɒz əm /

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.

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macrocosm British  

/ 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

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macrocosm Cultural  

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

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Other Word Forms

• macrocosmic adjective
• macrocosmically adverb

Etymology

Origin of macrocosm

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

Example Sentences

The structure alone provides a glimpse into an ancient worldview in which the macrocosm reflects the microcosm, and everything that is or that happens inextricably connects to everything else.

From Scientific American

“It’s making a link between the microcosm and macrocosm,” she added, creating “an idea of a world that doesn’t only include the Earth.”

From New York Times

This is the macrocosm of watching that destructive force in your life deny the truth, gaslight you and others, and trash the safety and security of your world because they’re denied something they want.

From Washington Post

While the mainstream media, the beauty industry, social media and health professionals’ weight bias all play their role in the macrocosm of body negativity, sometimes the most powerful influences are from those closest to us.

From The Guardian

All events in the skies were thought to affect those on Earth; the microcosm mirrors the macrocosm, it was believed.

From Nature