Microcosm

/ˈmaɪkroʊˌkɑzəm/ noun

Definition

a tiny version or representation of something larger; a small world that reflects the bigger world.

Etymology

From Greek 'mikros' (small) + 'kosmos' (world, order). This philosophical term was used since the Renaissance to describe humanity as a miniature universe.

Kelly Says

A single coral reef is a microcosm of ocean ecology, a family dinner table is a microcosm of society—the concept reveals how much you can learn about big systems by studying small ones carefully.

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