universe

Definition

The sum of everything that exists in the cosmos.

Etymology

From Middle English universe, from Old French univers, from Latin universum (“all things, as a whole, the universe”), neuter of universus (“all together, whole, entire, collective, general, literally turned or combined into one”), from uni-, combining form of unus (“one”) + versus (“turned”), perfect passive participle of vertō (“to turn”). Analyzable as uni- + -verse through backformation of -verse.

Example Sentences

• "Do you think that the universe was created by a life force or a deity?"
• "In all this universe of possibilities, there is only one feasible option."
• "In general content-related evidence demonstrates the degree to which the sample of items, tasks or questions on a test is representative of some defined universe or domain of content."

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