cosm-

Cosm- is a combining form used like a prefix meaning “world” or “universe.” In some cases, it represents “outer space.”

Cosm- comes from the Greek ��ó�����Dz�, variously meaning “order, good order, government, world order, the universe.” The Greek ��ó�����Dz� is ultimately the source of the English words cosmos, cosmic, cosmopolitan, and cosmetics, among others. ������ does makeup have to do with the universe? Find out at our entry for the word.

Cosm- is a variant of cosmo-, which loses its -o– when combined with words or word elements beginning with vowels. And when used as the final element of a compound word, cosmo- becomes -cosm, as is microcosm.

Want to know more? Read our Words That Use cosmo- article.

An example of a word that features cosm- is cosmism, which is a philosophy of cosmic evolution, especially associated with the 19th century American philosopher and historian John Fiske, who was greatly influenced by Charles Darwin’s theories.

Cosm-, as we’ve seen, refers to the universe, and -ism can variously denote a “doctrine,” “theory,” “system,” or “practice.” Cosmism, if we reduce it to its parts, is simply “universe theory.”

������ are some words related to cosm- and its Greek root, �����Dz� ?

• cosmid
• cosmine
• cosmoid

������ are some other forms that cosm- may be commonly confused with?

• cost-
• costo-

Similar to cosmo- is the combining form astro- (think astronaut). Learn more in our Words That Use astro- article.

Based on the name alone, where do cosmic rays come from?