The _____ is the universe of network-accessible information, an embodiment of human knowledge.

The correct term to fill in the blank is "World Wide Web."

Explanation

The World Wide Web (WWW) is often referred to simply as the "web," and it represents a vast, interconnected network of information that is accessible via the Internet. It comprises millions of web pages, multimedia content, and other types of online resources that users can navigate using browsers. The concept of the web allows for easy access and distribution of information, embodying a collective repository of human knowledge across diverse fields, cultures, and disciplines. It was created by Tim Berners-Lee in the late 1980s and has since revolutionized the way people communicate, learn, and share information globally. The web's structure is based on hyperlinks, which allow users to jump from one page to another, facilitating an expansive and dynamic exchange of knowledge.