metagalaxy: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very RareScientific / Technical (Astronomy, Cosmology)
Quick answer
What does “metagalaxy” mean?
The entire system of galaxies.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The entire system of galaxies; the totality of all galaxies considered as a single, immense system.
In cosmology, it refers to the entire known universe of galaxies, including the intergalactic space, considered as one massive aggregate structure. Historically, the term was used to distinguish our entire galaxy system from a single galaxy.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant national differences in meaning or usage, as it is a highly specialised scientific term. Spelling is identical.
Connotations
In both varieties, the term carries a highly technical, somewhat dated connotation from mid-20th century cosmology.
Frequency
Extremely rare in both varieties, confined to historical or very specific technical cosmological contexts. Perhaps slightly more encountered in British texts due to the historical influence of certain cosmologists.
Grammar
How to Use “metagalaxy” in a Sentence
The [Adjective] metagalaxy [Verb of existence/composition][Verb of study] the metagalaxyVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “metagalaxy” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The metagalactic structure was a focus of the 1960s research.
American English
- They proposed a new metagalactic model.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used historically in astronomy and cosmology papers to describe the large-scale structure of all galaxies. Now considered archaic.
Everyday
Virtually never used. Would be confusing to a general audience.
Technical
May appear in older technical literature or in specific discussions about the history of cosmology. Sometimes used in Russian-translated astrophysics texts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “metagalaxy”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “metagalaxy”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “metagalaxy”
- Using 'metagalaxy' in everyday conversation or non-scientific writing.
- Confusing it with 'multiverse' (which refers to multiple possible universes).
- Misspelling as 'meta-galaxy' (hyphenated form is less standard).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a very rare, specialised term from astronomy and cosmology. Most people, including many scientists, will use 'the universe' instead.
A 'galaxy' is a single, gravitationally bound system of stars, gas, and dust (like the Milky Way). The 'metagalaxy' is the totality of all such galaxies considered as one system.
No. The metagalaxy refers to our one, entire universe of galaxies. The multiverse is a speculative concept suggesting the existence of many separate, possibly non-communicating, universes.
Because the Russian term 'Метагалактика' is a standard, actively used word in scientific Russian for the observable universe. English translations sometimes carry the cognate over directly, though it sounds archaic to native English readers.
The entire system of galaxies.
Metagalaxy is usually scientific / technical (astronomy, cosmology) in register.
Metagalaxy: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmetəˌɡæləksi/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmedəˌɡæləksi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[None directly associated with this term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think META-GALAXY: BEYOND (meta) a single GALAXY. It's the grand system containing all galaxies.
Conceptual Metaphor
A SUPER-ORGANISM (where galaxies are cells), or The ULTIMATE NETWORK (connecting all galactic islands).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'metagalaxy' MOST likely to be found?