cos·mol·o·gy   (kŏz-mŏl'ə-jē)    n.   pl. cos·mol·o·gies The study of the physical universe considered as a totality of phenomena in time and space. The astrophysical study of the history, structure, and constituent dynamics of the universe. A specific theory or model of this structure and these dynamics. cos'mo·log'ic (-mə-lŏj'ĭk), cos'mo·log'i·cal adj., cos'mo·log'i·cal·ly adv., cos·mol'o·gist n.

Cosmology

Cos*mol"o*gy\ (k[o^]z*m[o^]l"[-o]*j[y^]), n. [Gr. ko`smos the world + -logy: cf. F. cosmologie.] The science of the world or universe; or a treatise relating to the structure and parts of the system of creation, the elements of bodies, the modifications of material things, the laws of motion, and the order and course of nature.

cosmology [(koz-mol-uh-jee)]

A system of beliefs that seeks to describe or explain the origin and structure of the universe. A cosmology attempts to establish an ordered, harmonious framework that integrates time, space, the planets, stars, and other celestial phenomena. In so-called primitive societies, cosmologies help explain the relationship of human beings to the rest of the universe and are therefore closely tied to religious beliefs and practices. In modern industrial societies, cosmologies seek to explain the universe through astronomy and mathematics. Metaphysics also plays a part in the formation of cosmologies. (See also under “Physical Sciences and Mathematics.”)

cosmology   (kŏz-mŏl'ə-jē)  Pronunciation Key  The scientific study of the origin, evolution, and structure of the universe. A specific theory or model of the origin and evolution of the universe.