1. A microcosm refers to any kind of smaller world in itself that reflects in little the macrocosm. A microcosm is believed to contain within it all the elements and structural principles that are found in the macrocosm that it reflects (Ray 231-232).

2. A macrocosm is the "greater world" as opposed to the "little world". It is often used to refer to the universe or earth (Ray 221).