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cosmology

Cosmology is the study of the cosmos, which is the entire universe. Someone who studies cosmology is interested in the structure, origins, and development of the universe.

In cosmology, the major theory of the origin of the universe is the Big Bang Theory, the idea that 12 to 14 billion years ago, a small amount of hot, dense matter began expanding, eventually cooling and forming the stars and galaxies we know today. Cosmos comes from the Greek word kosmos, which means world or universe, and cosmology comes from cosmos. Don't confuse cosmology with cosmetology, which is the study of beauty treatments.

DEFINITIONS OF: cosmology

1

n the metaphysical study of the origin and nature of the universe

Type of:
metaphysics
the philosophical study of being and knowing

n the branch of astrophysics that studies the origin and evolution and structure of the universe

Synonyms:
cosmogeny, cosmogony
Type of:
astrophysics
the branch of astronomy concerned with the physical and chemical properties of celestial bodies
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