cosmology

noun

cos·​mol·​o·​gy käz-ˈmä-lə-jē 

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

cosmological

ˌkäz-mə-ˈlä-ji-kəl 

adjective

cosmologically

ˌkäz-mə-ˈlä-ji-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

cosmologist

käz-ˈmä-lə-jist 

noun

Did you know?

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.

Examples of cosmology in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Each observation brings us a step nearer to answering some of the most profound questions in cosmology, reminding us of the immense complexity and beauty of the universe. —Victoria Corless, Space.com, 6 Jan. 2025

The study of cosmology itself also gives reason to raise an eyebrow at the cosmological principle. —Sarah Scoles, Scientific American, 1 Jan. 2025

Despite cloudy skies, Nashville partial eclipse wowed Tennesseans were able to nerd out Monday afternoon as astronomy, cosmology, meteorology and a little theology collided in the heavens over North America, casting a black shadow that, in some places, blotted out the midday sun. —David Farré, The Tennessean, 9 Apr. 2024

This is significant, as in our current best model of cosmology — the Standard Model or the Lambda Cold Dark Matter (LCDM) model — dark energy is represented by the cosmological constant (marked by the Greek letter lambda). —Robert Lea, Space.com, 31 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

circa 1656, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

cosmology

noun

cos·​mol·​o·​gy käz-ˈmäl-ə-jē 

plural cosmologies

: a branch of astronomy that deals with the beginning, structure, and space-time relationships of the universe

cosmologist

-jəst 

noun