It's Greek To Me!

Greek and Latin Prefixes, Roots and Suffixes used in English
This page © 1999 by Nicholas E. Miller


Basic term

Meaning

Greek
Latin
Prefix
Suffix

cosmo

universe

Yes
.
Yes, usually
.

Examples

Definition

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cosmochemistry (4)

(noun) - universe + chemistry = the branch of chemistry that deals with the chemical composition of the universe. Cosmochemical is the adjective form and cosmochemist is the noun for a person who does this.

cosmogenic (5)

(adj.) universe (rays?) + producing = produced by cosmic rays.

cosmogony (5)

(noun) - universe + creation, procreation = the creation or origin of the universe; or a theory of the origin of the universe. Cosmogonies is the plural form, cosmogonic and cosmogonical are the adjective forms and cosmogonist is the noun for a person who studies this.

cosmography (5)

(noun) universe + write = a general description of the universe; or the science that deals with the nature of the universe. A cosmographer is the person who studies this (noun) and cosmographic and cosmographical are the adjective forms.

cosmology (4)

(noun) - universe + speak = a branch of metaphysics that deals with the nature or theories of the universe; the branch of astronomy or its theories which deal with the origin, structure, and space-time relationships of the universe. Cosmological is the adjective form, cosmologically is the adverb and cosmologist is the noun for a person who studies this.

cosmonaut (2)

(noun) - universe + sailor = a space-going member of the Soviet or Russian space program. Note: the American equivalent is astronaut (star + sailor).

cosmopolis (5)

(noun) - universe + city = a sophisticated, worldly city.

cosmopolitan (2)

(noun) - universe + citizen = a cosmopolitan person.

cosmopolitan (2)

(adj.) - universe + citizen = having worldwide scope or bearing; a wide international sophistication, i.e. worldly-wise; composed of people or factors from many parts of the world; found in most parts of the world. Cosmopolitanism is the noun form.

cosmopolite (4)

(noun) - universe + citizen = a cosmopolitan person, literally a citizen of the world.

cosmos (3)

(noun) - from the Greek word = an orderly systematic universe or a complex orderly system. Also, a type of flower, especially a tall annual (C. bipinnatus) with yellow or red disks and bright rays.

microcosmos (5)

(noun) - small + universe = the microscopic or submicroscopic world.

microcosm (4)

(noun) - small + universe = a small world; the human race as seen from of the point of view of the whole world or universe; a community or other individual or small group that is a part of a larger unit. Microcosmic is the adjective for and microcosmically is the adverb form.