Meanings
- uncountableSynonym of small science.
Little science is conducted on a smaller scale, with smaller communities, less agreement on research questions and methods, and less infrastructure.
2015, Christine L. Borgman, Big Data, Little Data, No Data: Scholarship in the Networked World, →ISBN2 more examples
In many discussions the concepts of big and little science are presented in near mythical terms — terms that cloud the complexity of the issues involved. Little science is usually represented by the lone researcher working in the laboratory on self-chosen problems, generally oblivious to the needs and/or requests of society.
1994, A Space Physics Paradox: Why Has Increased Funding Been Accompanied By Decreased Effectiveness In The Conduct Of Space Physics Research?, →ISBN, page 12Today big science has new, exciting tasks. This should not be at the cost of a loss of little science. There is a need to revive and protect it, in order to insure the continued well-being of science as a whole.
2013, J. Agassi, Science and Culture, →ISBN, page 359Synonyms: small science
Synonyms & antonyms
nounSynonym of small science.
Origin
By contrast to Big Science.
Full word history & related roots →Cite this entry
little science. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 4, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/little%20science
“little science.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/little%20science. Accessed November 4, 2026.
WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “little science,” accessed November 4, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/little%20science.
Source: little science on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.