metaverse

[ met-uh-vurs ]

noun

, Digital Technology.

1. (in science fiction) a shared, realistic, and immersive computer simulation of the real world or other possible worlds, in which people participate as digital avatars.
2. a theoretical or emergent networked online space with digitally persistent environments that people inhabit, as avatars, for synchronous interactions and experiences, accessing the shared virtual space through virtual reality, augmented reality, game consoles, mobile devices, or conventional computers.

metaverse

/ ˈmɛtəˌvɜːs /

noun

1. a 3D virtual world, esp in an online role-playing game
2. the universe as portrayed in a given work of fiction

Word History and Origins

Origin of metaverse¹

From meta- ( def ) + (uni)verse ( def ); coined by U.S. author Neal Stephenson (born 1959) in his cyberpunk novel Snow Crash (1992)

Word History and Origins

Origin of metaverse¹

C20: from meta- + ( uni ) verse