microcosm

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mi·cro·cosm / ˈmīkrəˌkäzəm/ (also mi·cro·cos·mos / ˌmīkrəˈkäzməs; -mōs/ ) • n. a community, place, or situation regarded as encapsulating in miniature the characteristic qualities or features of something much larger: Berlin is a microcosm of Germany, in unity as in division. ∎  humankind regarded as the epitome of the universe.PHRASES: in microcosm in miniature.DERIVATIVES: mi·cro·cos·mic / ˌmīkrəˈkäzmik/ adj.mi·cro·cos·mi·cal·ly / -ˈkäzmik(ə)lē/ adv.

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