encyclopedia
UK: ɪnˌsaɪ.kləˈpiː.di.ə | US: ɪnˌsaɪ.kləˈpiː.di.ə
n. A comprehensive reference work containing articles on a wide range of subjects or branches of knowledge.
The word "encyclopedia" originates from the Greek phrase "enkyklios paideia" (ἐγκύκλιος παιδεία), meaning "general education" or "complete instruction." The morpheme "encyclo" derives from "enkyklios" (circular, all-encompassing), reflecting the idea of a broad, rounded education. "Pedia" comes from "paideia" (learning or child-rearing), emphasizing knowledge transmission. The modern spelling evolved through Latin and Renaissance adaptations, merging these concepts into a single term for a comprehensive knowledge repository.
She consulted the encyclopedia to research ancient civilizations.
The digital encyclopedia provides instant access to millions of articles.
His bookshelf holds a complete set of the Encyclopedia Britannica.
Teachers often encourage students to use encyclopedias for reliable information.
The project required cross-referencing multiple encyclopedias for accuracy.