cosmology

noun cos·mol·o·gy \ käz-ˈmä-lə-jē \

Updated on: 6 Apr 2018

Definition of cosmology

plural cosmologies

1 a : a branch of metaphysics that deals with the nature of the universe

b : a theory or doctrine describing the natural order of the universe

2 : a branch of astronomy that deals with the origin, structure, and space-time relationships of the universe; also : a theory dealing with these matters

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cosmological

play \ˌkäz-mə-ˈlä-ji-kəl\ adjective

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cosmologically

play \ˌkäz-mə-ˈlä-ji-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

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cosmologist

play \käz-ˈmä-lə-jist\ noun

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Recent Examples of cosmology from the Web

As within all divination practices, spellwork is based on the belief that within each individual is an entire cosmology that mirrors the expanse of the universe — the microcosm symbolizes the macrocosm.

— aliza kelly faragher, Allure, "A Beginner's Guide to Casting Your Own Spells at Home," 26 Mar. 2018
Unusually for a proponent of religion, Robinson has taken pains to understand contemporary physics and cosmology, delving into quarks and the accelerating expansion of the universe.

— richard higgins, BostonGlobe.com, "Our contrarian laureate," 9 Mar. 2018
In fact, most of us were outsiders to cosmology, doing our main work in the fields of particle physics and quantum-field theory.

— frank wilczek, WSJ, "An Appreciation: Frank Wilczek Remembers Stephen Hawking," 16 Mar. 2018
During the initial trips, astronauts focused on learning about cosmology and history of the moon.

— alex stuckey, Houston Chronicle, "Apollo 13 astronaut talks about the future of space exploration," 16 Mar. 2018
Hawking’s other major scientific contribution was to cosmology, the study of the universe’s origin and evolution.

— Time, "Famed Physicist Stephen Hawking Has Died at the Age of 76," 14 Mar. 2018
Hawking's other major scientific contribution was to cosmology, the study of the universe's origin and evolution.

— robert barr, baltimoresun.com, "Stephen Hawking, who brought physics to the masses and battled ALS for decades, dies at age 76," 14 Mar. 2018
Hawking's other major scientific contribution was to cosmology, the study of the universe's origin and evolution.

— robert barr, chicagotribune.com, "Stephen Hawking, best-known theoretical physicist of his time, dies at 76," 14 Mar. 2018
Hawking's research focused on cosmology and the basic laws of the universe.

— Fox News, "Stephen Hawking, famed physicist, dead at 76," 14 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'cosmology.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

cosmology and Star Trek

Most religions and cultures include some kind of cosmology to explain the nature of the universe. In modern astronomy, the leading cosmology is still the Big Bang theory, which claims that the universe began with a huge explosion that sent matter and energy spreading out in all directions. One reason why fans watch Star Trek is for the various cosmologies depicted in the show, including different conceptions of space, time, and the meaning of life.

Origin and Etymology of cosmology

New Latin cosmologia, from Greek kosmos — see cosmic + New Latin -logia -logy

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: circa 1656

See Words from the same year

Other Philosophy Terms

dialectic, dualism, epistemology, existentialism, metaphysics, ontology, sequitur, solipsism, transcendentalism

COSMOLOGY Defined for English Language Learners

cosmology

noun

Definition of cosmology for English Language Learners

: the scientific study of the origin and structure of the universe

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Nglish: Translation of cosmology for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of cosmology for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cosmology

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cosmology

Definition of cosmology

cosmological

cosmologically

cosmologist

Recent Examples of cosmology from the Web

cosmology and Star Trek

Origin and Etymology of cosmology

Other Philosophy Terms

COSMOLOGY Defined for English Language Learners

cosmology

Definition of cosmology for English Language Learners

Learn More about cosmology

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cosmology

Definition of cosmology

cosmological

cosmologically

cosmologist

Recent Examples of cosmology from the Web

cosmology and Star Trek

Origin and Etymology of cosmology

Other Philosophy Terms

COSMOLOGY Defined for English Language Learners

cosmology

Definition of cosmology for English Language Learners

Learn More about cosmology

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