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Definition of encyclopedia

encyclopedia

/ɪnˌsaɪ.kləˈpiː.di.ə/
(UK: encyclopaedia)
en · cy · clo · pe · di · a
Adverb:encyclopedically
•
Plural:encyclopedias
•
Adjective:encyclopedic
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encyclopedia Lexical Profile

encyclopedia Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A comprehensive reference work, either in print or digital form, containing articles on a wide range of subjects or on numerous aspects of a particular field, typically arranged alphabetically.

Example

"Before the internet became widespread, students relied on a multi-volume print encyclopedia to research school reports."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for encyclopedia

• Rhymes for encyclopedia

• Nearby Words

encryption
encumber
encumbrance
encyclopedia
encyclopedic
end
endanger

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in Modern Latin from a false reading of the Ancient Greek phrase 'enkyklios paideia' (meaning 'general education' or literally 'training in a circle'), which Renaissance copyists mistakenly transcribed as a single compound noun.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Encyclopedia. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/encyclopedia
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