cosmology

[ koz-mol-uh-jee ]

noun

1. the branch of philosophy dealing with the origin and general structure of the universe, with its parts, elements, and laws, and especially with such of its characteristics as space, time, causality, and freedom.
2. the branch of astronomy that deals with the general structure and evolution of the universe.

cosmology

/ kɒzˈmɒlədʒɪ; ˌkɒzməˈlɒdʒɪkəl /

noun

1. the philosophical study of the origin and nature of the universe
2. the branch of astronomy concerned with the evolution and structure of the universe
3. a particular account of the origin or structure of the universe

   Ptolemaic cosmology

cosmology

/ kŏz-mŏl′ə-jē /

1. The scientific study of the origin, evolution, and structure of the universe.
2. A specific theory or model of the origin and evolution of the universe.

cosmology

¹

1. A system of beliefs that seeks to describe or explain the origin and structure of the universe. A cosmology attempts to establish an ordered, harmonious framework that integrates time, space, the planets , stars , and other celestial phenomena. In so-called primitive societies, cosmologies help explain the relationship of human beings to the rest of the universe and are therefore closely tied to religious beliefs and practices. In modern industrial societies, cosmologies seek to explain the universe through astronomy and mathematics . Metaphysics also plays a part in the formation of cosmologies. ( See also under “Physical Sciences and Mathematics.” )

cosmology

²

1. The branch of science dealing with the large-scale structure, origins, and development of the universe. ( See astronomy and Big Bang theory .)

Derived Forms

• cosˈmologist, noun
• ˌcosmoˈlogically, adverb
• cosmological, adjective

Other Words From

• cos·molo·ger cos·molo·gist noun
• cos·mo·log·i·cal [koz-m, uh, -, loj, -i-k, uh, l], cosmo·logic adjective
• cosmo·logi·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of cosmology¹

From the New Latin word cosmologia, dating back to 1650–60. See cosmo-, -logy

Example Sentences

Alternatively, the observatory’s measurements could undercut this hypothesis, a pillar in the current understanding of cosmology.

From New York Times

As an astronomer who studies cosmology and has written a book about early missions to Mars, I’ve been watching the sample return saga play out.

From Salon

Some of their practices were canceled by colonialism; others, preserved in ice as Ötzi was, are dissolving with the melting permafrost, taking the visual keys to ancient cosmologies with them.

From Los Angeles Times

“I’m convinced that there are living sacrifices, but when it comes to the idea that there is some unifying cosmology at work for that length of time, I’m more cautious,” Bickle says.

From Science Magazine

The standard theory of cosmology—which says 95% of the universe is made up of an unknown energy we can’t see—has passed its strictest test yet.

From Science Magazine

Related Words

• cosmogenesis
• cosmogony
• creation