Word Study
encyclopædia
CIDE DICTIONARY
encyclopædia, n. [NL., fr. Gr. , for , instruction in the circle of arts and sciences: cf. F. encyclopédie. See Cyclopedia, and Encyclical.].
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. [1913 Webster]
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