microcosms
Universes in miniature
Microcosms is the plural of microcosm—a small world that mirrors a larger one.
A classroom can be a microcosm of society, a tide pool a microcosm of ocean ecosystems.
The word implies that studying the small version reveals truths about the whole: Her novel uses a small Southern town as a microcosm of American racial tensions.
Glass-walled growing enclosure
- aquariumTank for keeping fish
- vivariumEnclosure for living specimens
- petri dishLidded laboratory culture container
- snow globeSealed sphere with drifting flakes
bottle garden · jar · self-contained · biosphere · ecosphere · ant farm · moss terrarium · closed system
Enclosed miniature scene display
- model villageSmall-scale replica town
- dollhouseMiniature toy residence
- bonsaiCultivated miniature potted tree
- scale modelProportionally reduced reproduction
Lilliputian · pocket universe · miniaturization · fairy garden · ship in bottle · miniature garden · scaled-down
Symbolic tale with deeper meaning
- representationDepiction or likeness
- reflectionReturned light or thought
- mirrorReflective viewing surface
- epitomePerfect representative of type
encapsulation · snapshot · cross-section · sample · distillation · essence · archetype · proxy
Collective of connected people
- subcultureGroup with alternative norms
- tribeSocial group sharing ancestry
- enclaveSurrounded distinct territory
- communeShared-living community
bubble · clique · milieu · in-group · social circle · neighborhood · campus · workplace
Wave-stranded water hollow
- pondSmall still body
- coral reefCalcium carbonate marine ecosystem
- rotting logDead tree decomposing naturally
- soilGround matter for planting
compost heap · leaf litter · gut microbiome · forest floor · lichen · puddle · tree hollow · rock pool
terrarium
Glass-walled growing enclosure
- aquariumTank for keeping fish
- vivariumEnclosure for living specimens
- petri dishLidded laboratory culture container
snow globe · bottle garden · jar · self-contained · biosphere · ecosphere · ant farm · moss terrarium · closed system · glass dome
diorama
Enclosed miniature scene display
- model villageSmall-scale replica town
- dollhouseMiniature toy residence
- bonsaiCultivated miniature potted tree
scale model · Lilliputian · pocket universe · miniaturization · fairy garden · ship in bottle · miniature garden · scaled-down
allegory
Symbolic tale with deeper meaning
- representationDepiction or likeness
- reflectionReturned light or thought
- mirrorReflective viewing surface
epitome · encapsulation · snapshot · cross-section · sample · distillation · essence · archetype · proxy · stand-in
community
Collective of connected people
- subcultureGroup with alternative norms
- tribeSocial group sharing ancestry
- enclaveSurrounded distinct territory
commune · bubble · clique · milieu · in-group · social circle · neighborhood · campus · workplace · institution
tide pool
Wave-stranded water hollow
- pondSmall still body
- coral reefCalcium carbonate marine ecosystem
- rotting logDead tree decomposing naturally
soil · compost heap · leaf litter · gut microbiome · forest floor · lichen · puddle · tree hollow · rock pool · seabed
microcosmsmacrocosms
Comprehensive universal systems
universes · the whole · the universe · totalities · wholes