universe

[yoo-nuh-vurs] /ˈyu nəˌvɜrs/
noun
1.
the totality of known or supposed objects and phenomena throughout space; the cosmos; macrocosm.
2.
the whole world, especially with reference to humanity:
a truth known throughout the universe.
3.
a world or sphere in which something exists or prevails:
his private universe.
4.
Also called universe of discourse. Logic. the aggregate of all the objects, attributes, and relations assumed or implied in a given discussion.
5.
Also called universal set. Mathematics. the set of all elements under discussion for a given problem.
6.
Statistics. the entire population under study.
Origin
1325-75; Middle English < Old French univers < Latin ūniversum, noun use of neuter of ūniversus entire, all, literally, turned into one, equivalent to ūni- uni- + versus (past participle of vertere to turn)
Related forms
subuniverse, noun
superuniverse, noun
Examples from the web for universe
  • After decades of effort, some scientists are beginning to despair of explaining the universe.
  • His suggestion that our universe may be a simulation run on the computer of an alien civilization is also old hat.
  • The jury is still out on whether current theories really are enough to explain the origins of the universe.
  • The universe is four-dimensional-three for space, one for time.
  • Along the way, you'll encounter the intricacies of plant design, and how it all relates to everything else in the universe.
  • But for us faculty members, our blindness to the significance of big-time sports amounts to operating in a parallel universe.
  • Since supposedly the universe is expanding its entirely possible.
  • Measurements taken from a dying star are offering scientists new clues to the precise age of the universe.
  • According to the big bang theory, all the matter in the universe erupted from a singularity.
  • Beyond them a small universe of edibles and ornamentals awaits you.
British Dictionary definitions for universe

universe

/ˈjuːnɪˌvɜːs/
noun
1.
(astronomy) the aggregate of all existing matter, energy, and space
2.
human beings collectively
3.
a province or sphere of thought or activity
4.
(statistics) another word for population (sense 7)
Word Origin
C16: from French univers, from Latin ūniversum the whole world, from ūniversus all together, from uni- + vertere to turn
Word Origin and History for universe
n.

1580s, "the whole world, cosmos," from Old French univers (12c.), from Latin universum "the universe," noun use of neuter of adj. universus "all together," literally "turned into one," from unus "one" (see one) + versus, past participle of vertere "to turn" (see versus). Properly a loan-translation of Greek to holon "the universe," noun use of neuter of adj. holos "whole" (see safe (adj.)).

universe in Science
universe
  (y'nə-vûrs')   
The totality of matter, energy, and space, including the Solar System, the galaxies, and the contents of the space between the galaxies. Current theories of cosmology suggest that the universe is constantly expanding.