Encyclopedia Definition

ĕn-sīklə-pēdē-ə
encyclopedias
noun
encyclopedias
A book or set of books giving information on all or many branches of knowledge, generally in articles alphabetically arranged.
Webster's New World
A similar work giving information in a particular field of knowledge.
An encyclopedia of philosophy.
Webster's New World
(dated) The circle of arts and sciences; a comprehensive summary of knowledge, or of a branch of knowledge.
Wiktionary
Synonyms:

Other Word Forms of Encyclopedia

Noun

Singular:
encyclopedia
Plural:
encyclopedi, encyclopediae, encyclopedias

Origin of Encyclopedia

  • From Latin encyclopaedia, from Ancient Greek ἐγκύκλιος παιδεία (enkuklios paideia, “the circle of arts and sciences, curriculum”), from ἐγκύκλιος (enkuklios, “circular, rounded, round”), from κύκλος (kuklos, “circle”) + παιδεία (paideia, “the rearing of a child, education”), from παιδίον (paidion, “child”).

    From Wiktionary

  • Medieval Latin encyclopaedia general education course from alteration of Greek enkuklios paideia general education enkuklios circular, general encyclical paideia education (from pais paid- child pau-1 in Indo-European roots)

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

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