cosmology

[ koz-mol-uh-jee ]
/ kɒzˈmɒl ə dʒi /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR cosmology ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

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.
the branch of astronomy that deals with the general structure and evolution of the universe.

Origin of cosmology

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

OTHER WORDS FROM cosmology

cos·mol·o·ger, cos·mol·o·gist, noun cos·mo·log·i·cal [koz-muh-loj-i-kuh l] /ˌkɒz məˈlɒdʒ ɪ kəl/, cos·mo·log·ic, adjective cos·mo·log·i·cal·ly, adverb

Words nearby cosmology

cosmoid, cosmological argument, cosmological constant, cosmological principle, cosmological redshift, cosmology, cosmonaut, cosmonautics, cosmopolis, cosmopolitan, cosmopolitanize

Words related to cosmology

creation, ontology, perspective, viewpoint, position, view, underpinning

Example sentences from the Web for cosmology

British Dictionary definitions for cosmology

cosmology
/ (kɒzˈmɒlədʒɪ) /

noun

the philosophical study of the origin and nature of the universe
the branch of astronomy concerned with the evolution and structure of the universe
a particular account of the origin or structure of the universe Ptolemaic cosmology

Derived forms of cosmology

cosmological (ˌkɒzməˈlɒdʒɪkəl) or cosmologic, adjective cosmologically, adverb cosmologist, noun

Scientific definitions for cosmology

cosmology
[ kŏz-mŏl′ə-jē ]

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

Cultural definitions for cosmology (1 of 2)

cosmology
[ (koz-mol-uh-jee) ]

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.”)

Cultural definitions for cosmology (2 of 2)

cosmology
[ (koz-mol-uh-jee) ]

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