encyclical

(en sik′li kəl, in-; occas., -sī′kli-)

adjective

for general circulation

Origin: LL encyclicus < Gr enkyklios, in a circle, general, common < en-, in + kyklos, a circle: see cycle

noun

R.C.Ch. a papal document addressed to the bishops, generally dealing with doctrinal matters

See encyclical in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective

Intended for general or wide circulation.

noun
Roman Catholic Church

A papal letter addressed to the bishops of the Church or to the hierarchy of a particular country.

Origin:

Origin: From Medieval Lattin encyclicus, circular

Origin: , from Greek enkuklios

Origin: : en-, in; see en-²

Origin: + kuklos, circle; see k^wel-¹ in Indo-European roots

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encyclical in a sentence

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