universe
[ yoo-nuh-vurs ]
/ ˈyu nəˌvɜrs /
noun
the totality of known or supposed objects and phenomena throughout space; the cosmos; macrocosm.
the whole world, especially with reference to humanity: a truth known throughout the universe.
a world or sphere in which something exists or prevails: his private universe.
Also called universe of discourse. Logic. the aggregate of all the objects, attributes, and relations assumed or implied in a given discussion.
Also called universal set. Mathematics. the set of all elements under discussion for a given problem.
Statistics. the entire population under study.
QUIZZES
CAN YOU FEEL THE WEAL WITH THIS WORD OF THE DAY QUIZ?
Did you collect all of last week’s words, but eftsoons forget what they mean? Don’t worry, we’re here to jog your memory. See how many words from the week of May 18 to 24 you can get right!
Question 1 of 7
weal
Origin of universe
1325–75; Middle English < Old French univers < Latin ūniversum, noun use of neuter of ūniversus entire, all, literally, turned into one, equivalent to ūni- uni- + versus (past participle of vertere to turn)
OTHER WORDS FROM universe
sub·u·ni·verse, nounsu·per·u·ni·verse, nounWords nearby universe
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020
British Dictionary definitions for universe of discourse (1 of 2)
universe of discourse
noun
logic the complete range of objects, events, attributes, relations, ideas, etc, that are expressed, assumed, or implied in a discussion
British Dictionary definitions for universe of discourse (2 of 2)
universe
/ (ˈjuːnɪˌvɜːs) /
noun
astronomy the aggregate of all existing matter, energy, and space
human beings collectively
a province or sphere of thought or activity
statistics another word for population (def. 7)
Word Origin for universe
C16: from French univers, from Latin ūniversum the whole world, from ūniversus all together, from uni- + vertere to turn
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Scientific definitions for universe of discourse
universe
[ yōō′nə-vûrs′ ]
The totality of matter, energy, and space, including the Solar System, the galaxies, and the contents of the space between the galaxies. Current theories of cosmology suggest that the universe is constantly expanding.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
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