[uni.verse] n [L universum, fr. neut. of universus entire, whole, fr. uni- + versus turned toward, fr. pp. of vertere to turn--more at worth] (1589) 1: the whole body of things and phenomena observed or postulated: cosmos: as a: a systematic whole held to arise by and persist through the direct intervention of divine power b: the world of human experience c (1): the entire celestial cosmos (2): milky way galaxy (3): an aggregate of stars comparable to the Milky Way galaxy
2: a distinct field or province of thought or reality that forms a closed system or self-inclusive and independent organization
3: population 4
4: a set that contains all elements relevant to a particular discussion or problem
5: a great number or quantity "a large enough ~ of stocks ... to choose from --G. B. Clairmont"