Golly, I thought the OED and websters were pretty good. Shame on me!
"Definition of world in English:
noun
1 (usually the world) The earth, together with all of its countries, peoples, and natural features: he was doing his bit to save the world
More example sentences Synonyms
1.1 (the world) All of the people, societies, and institutions on the earth: [as modifier]: world affairs
More example sentences Synonyms
1.2 [as modifier] Denoting one of the most important or influential people or things of its class: they had been brought up to regard France as a world power
More example sentences
1.3Another planet like the earth: the possibility of life on other worlds
More example sentences Synonyms
1.4The material universe or all that exists; everything.
Example sentences
2A part or aspect of human life or of the natural features of the earth, in particular.
Example sentences
2.1A region or group of countries: the English-speaking world
More example sentences
2.2A period of history: the ancient world
More example sentences
2.3A group of living things: the animal world
More example sentences
2.4The people, places, and activities to do with a particular thing: they were a legend in the world of British theater
More example sentences Synonyms
2.5Human and social interaction: he has almost completely withdrawn from the world how inexperienced she is in the ways of the world
More example sentences Synonyms
2.6Average, respectable, or fashionable people or their customs or opinions.
2.7 (one's world) A person’s life and activities: he felt his whole world had collapsed
More example sentences
2.8Everything that exists outside oneself.
Example sentences
2.9 [in singular] A stage of human life, either mortal or after death: in this world and the next
More example sentences
2.10Secular interests and affairs: parents are not viewed as the primary educators of their own children, either in the world or in the church"
https://www.oxforddictionaries.com/us/definition/american_english/world
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/world
So, pate, which of these definitions should we use?
WHY use any given one of these definitions?
Maybe let God pick the one he wants?