microcosm

noun mi·cro·cosm \ˈmī-krə-ˌkä-zəm\

: something (such as a place or an event) that is seen as a small version of something much larger

Full Definition of MICROCOSM

: a little world; especially : the human race or human nature seen as an epitome of the world or the universe

: a community or other unity that is an epitome of a larger unity

— mi·cro·cos·mic \ˌmī-krə-ˈkäz-mik\ adjective

— mi·cro·cos·mi·cal·ly \-mi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

— in microcosm

: in a greatly diminished size, form, or scale

See microcosm defined for English-language learners

See microcosm defined for kids

Middle English, from Medieval Latin microcosmus, modification of Greek mikros kosmos

First Known Use: 15th century

Next Word in the Dictionary: microcosmosPrevious Word in the Dictionary: microcontrollerAll Words Near: microcosm

What made you want to look up microcosm? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Put-downs with flair

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears