encyclical

American  

[en-sik-li-kuhl, -sahy-kli-] / ɛnˈsɪk lɪ kəl, -ˈsaɪ klɪ- /

Also encyclic

noun

1. Roman Catholic Church. a letter addressed by the pope to all the bishops of the church.

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adjective

1. (of a letter) intended for wide or general circulation; general.

encyclical British  

/ ɛnˈsɪklɪkəl /

noun

1. a letter sent by the pope to all Roman Catholic bishops throughout the world

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adjective

1. (of letters) intended for general or wide circulation

encyclical Cultural  

1. A letter from the pope to the bishops of the Roman Catholic Church, in which he lays down policy on religious, moral, or political issues.

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Etymology

Origin of encyclical

1610–20; < Late Latin encyclicus (< Greek enkýklios, with -icus -ic for -ios, equivalent to en- en- ² + kýkl ( os ) circle, cycle + -ios adj. suffix) + -al ¹

Example Sentences

I have duly addressed this issue in my Encyclical Letter Laudato Si’.

From Time • Jul. 10, 2015

This Encyclical underscores the need for climate action not just to protect our environment, but to protect humankind and the most vulnerable communities among us.

From The Guardian • Jun. 18, 2015

The statements are likely to influence the Pope's coming Encyclical on climate change.

From BBC • Apr. 28, 2015

Therefore, our Academics supported the Pope’s initiative to publish an Encyclical or another such important document on climate and social inclusion to influence next year’s crucial decisions.

From New York Times • Dec. 31, 2014

Accordingly, he addressed to all the French bishops an Encyclical, which is known in history as the Encyclical inter multiplices.

From Pius IX. And His Time by Dawson, Æneas MacDonell