from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Microcosm \Mi"cro*cosm\, n. [F. microcosme, L. microcosmus, fr.
Gr. mikro`s small + ko`smos the world.]
1. 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}. --Shak.
[1913 Webster]
2. 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.
[PJC] Microcosmic