DEFINITIONS

universe

[ yoo-nuh-vurs ]
/ ˈyu nəˌvɜrs /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR universe ON THESAURUS.COM

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.

Content related to universe

10 Marvelous Words From The Marvel UniverseMarvel has a unique lexicon within its cinematic universe of more than 40 movies and counting. Do you know what these words actually mean?
READ MORE
Essential Language From The Star Wars UniverseStar Wars is considered a space opera, a genre that blends science fiction with conventional dramatic elements. And, this is just the first of many word additions we can attribute to the legendary film franchise.
READ MORE

Words related to universe

context, framework, standpoint

Words nearby universe

universalist, universality, universalizability, universalize, universally, universe, universe of discourse, university, university city, university entrance, university extension

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, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

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

Science 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 Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.