n. [ F. microcosme, L. microcosmus, fr. Gr. mikro`s small + ko`smos the world. ] 1. A little world; a miniature universe. Hence (so called by Paracelsus), a man, as a supposed epitome of the exterior universe or great world. Opposed to macrocosm. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A relatively small object or system considered as representative of a larger system of which it is part, exhibiting many features of the complete system. [ PJC ]

{ } a. [ Cf. F. microcosmique. ] Of or pertaining to the microcosm. [ 1913 Webster ]

Microcosmic salt (Chem.), a white crystalline substance obtained by mixing solutions of sodium phosphate and ammonium phosphate, and also called hydric-sodic-ammonic-phosphate. It is a powerful flux, and is used as a substitute for borax as a blowpipe reagent in testing for the metallic oxides. Originally obtained by the alchemists from human urine, and called sal microcosmicum. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Microcosm + -graphy. ] Description of man as a microcosm. [ 1913 Webster ]