encyclopedia

Sometimes en·cy·clo·pae·di·a

[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 chatbots also appeared conflicted about what role to play, shifting between acting like medical encyclopedias, life coaches and supportive friends.

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Use encyclopedias, almanacs, anything you can get your hands on.

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"It is precisely this deliberate openness and community model that upholds the neutrality and trustworthiness essential for a global encyclopedia: no single individual, company, or agenda can exert influence over the work."

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When his parents gave him a 10-volume encyclopedia, he read the books so often that he memorized their contents and wore off their covers.

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He was about 12 when his family bought the first set of encyclopedias that he can remember.

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