encyclopedia Meaning, Definition & Usage
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noun a reference work (often in several volumes) containing articles on various topics (often arranged in alphabetical order) dealing with the entire range of human knowledge or with some particular specialty
cyclopedia; encyclopaedia; cyclopaedia.
WordNet
En*cy`clo*pe"di*a, En*cy`clo*pæ"di*a noun
(Also<
- Encyclopaedia
- Encyclopedia
- Encyclopædia
)
Etymology
NL., fr. Gr. , for , instruction in the circle of arts and sciences: cf. F.Definitions
The circle of arts and sciences; a comprehensive summary of knowledge, or of a branch of knowledge; esp., a work in which the various branches of science or art are discussed separately, and usually in alphabetical order; a cyclopedia.