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

"Even though everyone was expecting black holes to starve galaxies by heating or removing gas, measurements showed that the amount of gas we could see being removed was simply not enough," Francesco D'Eugenio, an astronomer at the University of Cambridge's Kavli Institute for Cosmology, told Salon.

From Salon

“In the early universe, most galaxies are forming lots of stars, so it’s interesting to see such a massive dead galaxy at this period in time,” co-author Professor Roberto Maiolino, also from the Kavli Institute for Cosmology, said in a press statement.

From Salon

By proposing a method for simply testing this possibility, “they’ve done ... exactly what we should be doing in dark matter searches,” said Vera Gluscevic, a cosmology professor at USC who was not involved with the study.

From Los Angeles Times

According to Dr Nicholas Campion, professor of cosmology and culture at University of Wales Trinity Saint David, the Mercury retrograde phenomenon was discovered during the final century BC – but it wasn’t always interpreted as it is today.

From BBC

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

From New York Times

Related Words

• cosmogenesis
• cosmogony
• creation