A complex structure, such as a society, considered as a single entity that contains numerous similar, smaller-scale structures.
The universe.
Human nature or the human body as representative of the wider universe; man considered as a miniature counterpart of divine or universal nature. from 15th c.
The human body; a person. 17th-19th c.
A smaller system which is seen as representative of a larger one. from 17th c.
A small natural ecosystem; an artificial ecosystem set up as an experimental model. from 19th c.
The great world; that part of the universe which is exterior to man; - contrasted with microcosm, or man. See Microcosm.
A little world; a miniature universe. Hence (so called by Paracelsus), a man, as a supposed epitome of the exterior universe or great world. Opposed to macrocosm.
A relatively small object or system considered as representative of a larger system of which it is part, exhibiting many features of the complete system.