macrocosm

[ mak-ruh-koz-uhm ]

noun

1. the great world or universe; the universe considered as a whole ( microcosm ).
2. the total or entire complex structure of something:

   the macrocosm of war.

3. a representation of a smaller unit or entity by a larger one, presumably of a similar structure.

macrocosm

/ ˈmækrəˌkɒzəm /

noun

1. a complex structure, such as the universe or society, regarded as an entirety, as opposed to microcosms, which have a similar structure and are contained within it
2. any complex entity regarded as a complete system in itself

macrocosm

1. A representation of something on a much larger scale. ( Compare microcosm .)

Derived Forms

• ˌmacroˈcosmic, adjective
• ˌmacroˈcosmically, adverb

Other Words From

• macro·cosmic adjective
• macro·cosmi·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of macrocosm¹

1590–1600; < French macrocosme < Medieval Latin macrocosmus. See macro-, cosmos

Word History and Origins

Origin of macrocosm¹

C16: via French and Latin from Greek makros kosmos great world

Example Sentences

The structure alone provides a glimpse into an ancient worldview in which the macrocosm reflects the microcosm, and everything that is or that happens inextricably connects to everything else.

From Scientific American

“It’s making a link between the microcosm and macrocosm,” she added, creating “an idea of a world that doesn’t only include the Earth.”

From New York Times

It might be thought that Copernicus was responsible for the destruction of the correspondence between microcosm and macrocosm.

From Literature

This is the macrocosm of watching that destructive force in your life deny the truth, gaslight you and others, and trash the safety and security of your world because they’re denied something they want.

From Washington Post

While the mainstream media, the beauty industry, social media and health professionals’ weight bias all play their role in the macrocosm of body negativity, sometimes the most powerful influences are from those closest to us.

From The Guardian