universe of discourse

noun

1. the totality of known or supposed objects and phenomena throughout space; the cosmos; macrocosm.
2. the whole world, especially with reference to humanity: a truth known throughout the universe.
3. a world or sphere in which something exists or prevails: his private universe.
4. Also called universe of discourse. Logic. the aggregate of all the objects, attributes, and relations assumed or implied in a given discussion.
5. Also called universal set. Mathematics. the set of all elements under discussion for a given problem.
6. Statistics. the entire population under study.

noun

1. logic the complete range of objects, events, attributes, relations, ideas, etc, that are expressed, assumed, or implied in a discussion

noun

1. astronomy the aggregate of all existing matter, energy, and space
2. human beings collectively
3. a province or sphere of thought or activity
4. statistics another word for population (def. 7)

n.1580s, “the whole world, cosmos,” from Old French univers (12c.), from Latin universum “the universe,” noun use of neuter of adj. universus “all together,” literally “turned into one,” from unus “one” (see one) + versus, past participle of vertere “to turn” (see versus). Properly a loan-translation of Greek to holon “the universe,” noun use of neuter of adj. holos “whole” (see safe (adj.)).

1. The totality of matter, energy, and space, including the Solar System, the galaxies, and the contents of the space between the galaxies. Current theories of cosmology suggest that the universe is constantly expanding.