microcosm
n. countable C1 Advanced US //ˈmaɪkɹəˌkɑzəm// UK //mˈaɪkɹəʊkˌɒzəm// mi·cro·cosm
n. a small part of something that represents the whole. It is like a tiny version of a larger world or system.
n. a small community or set of objects viewed as a representation of a larger whole. Often used in ecological or sociological contexts to describe a miniature environment.
The small pond is a microcosm of the local ecosystem.
The small village serves as a microcosm of the country's diverse cultures and traditions.
In the study of urban sociology, a single neighborhood can act as a microcosm of the broader city's economic and social challenges.
From French microcosme, from Latin microcosmus, from Ancient Greek μικρός (mikrós, “small”) + κόσμος (kósmos, “universe, order”); micro- + -cosm.