Cosmical

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Pertaining to the universe or outer space, this adjective reflects notions of cosmic phenomena, grand scale, and universal laws affecting celestial bodies
2. This term signifies aspects related to the cosmos, incorporating themes of grandeur, universality, and the intricate principles governing the universe's existence
3. Relating to the universe or celestial realms, this term encompasses ideas of vastness, universal interconnectedness, and the fundamental laws that govern cosmic entities

Etymology: Greek "kosmos" originally meant "order" or "arrangement," and only later "the world" or "the universe." The sense of order is still visible in "cosmetic," which comes from a related Greek verb meaning "to arrange" or "to adorn." English took the stem through Latin and French and built "cosmical" from it by adding the adjective ending "-al," producing a near-synonym of "cosmic." "Cosmic" has largely pushed it aside, and "cosmical" now survives mainly in older writing. Older astronomy gave the form a specialised use. A "cosmical rising" was the rising of a star at sunset, and a "cosmical setting" was its setting at sunrise, so the word described when a star appeared in relation to the sun.

Synonyms: cosmic, universal