'microcosm' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'mikros kosmos,' where 'mikros' meant 'small' and 'kosmos' meant 'world.'

'mikros kosmos' transformed into the Medieval Latin word 'microcosmus,' and eventually became the modern English word 'microcosm.'

Initially, it meant 'a small world,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a small, representative system.'