1. a little world; a miniature universe
2. a community or complex that is regarded as a world in miniature

Examples

• The school served as a microcosmos of the larger society.
• Each cell can be viewed as a microcosmos containing all the elements of life.
• The small town was a perfect microcosmos of American culture.
• Scientists study pond ecosystems as a microcosmos of larger aquatic environments.
• The artist's studio became a microcosmos of creativity and inspiration.
• This novel presents the family as a microcosmos of human relationships.