encyclopedia

[ en-sahy-kluh-pee-dee-uh ]

noun

1. a book, set of books, optical disc, mobile device, or online informational resource containing articles on various topics, usually in alphabetical arrangement, covering all branches of knowledge or, less commonly, all aspects of one subject.
2. Encyclopedia, the French work edited by Diderot and D'Alembert, published in the 18th century, distinguished by its representation of the views of the Enlightenment.

encyclopedia

/ ɛnˌsaɪkləʊˈpiːdɪə /

noun

1. a book, often in many volumes, containing articles on various topics, often arranged in alphabetical order, dealing either with the whole range of human knowledge or with one particular subject

   a medical encyclopedia

Word History and Origins

Origin of encyclopedia¹

First recorded in 1525–35; from New Latin encyclopaedia, from Greek enkyklopaidía, a misreading of enkýklios paideía “circular (i.e., well-rounded) education”; encyclical, pedo- ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of encyclopedia¹

C16: from New Latin encyclopaedia, erroneously for Greek enkuklios paideia general education, from enkuklios general (see encyclical ), + paideia education, from pais child

Example Sentences

The latter, from husband and wife duo Mister & Mischief, takes its cues from works such as “Encyclopedia Brown” and “Nancy Drew,” casting adults in the role of kid detectives.

From Los Angeles Times

“Surfing does seem to have this other layer of words that are special to us,” said Matt Warshaw, author of the “Encyclopedia of Surfing” and “The History of Surfing.”

From Los Angeles Times

According to the Encyclopedia of Surfing, surfers began using this expression in the 1950s and has been a common expression both in and out of the water ever since.

From Los Angeles Times

Ms Zarin described the AI as a “walking encyclopedia” of her own thoughts and advice.

From BBC

“Surfing does seem to have this other layer of words that are special to us,” said Matt Warshaw, author of the “Encyclopedia of Surfing” and “The History of Surfing.”

From Los Angeles Times