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

The problem is that these estimates for the Hubble constant don’t match what the standard model of cosmology predicts based on patterns in the cosmic microwave background, the glow left over from the early universe. —Laura Helmuth, Scientific American, 15 Oct. 2024

With advances at the intersection of quantum mechanics, cosmology, AI and neural networks, such possibilities are on the horizon. —Eric Solis, Forbes, 23 Oct. 2024

The standard model of cosmology predicts a physical length for the sound horizon based on the gravitationally attracting ingredients of the early universe: dark matter, dark energy, neutrinos, photons and atoms. —Marc Kamionkowski, Scientific American, 15 Oct. 2024

The Hubble tension is part of a running list of observations that don’t fit the standard model of cosmology, suggesting the problem may lie in current theory. —Andréa Morris, Forbes, 9 Oct. 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