noun

encyclopaedia

encyclopedia

I looked up the information in an encyclopaedia.

I looked up the information in an encyclopedia.

He bought a set of encyclopaedias for his children.

He bought a set of encyclopedias for his children.

((of sth.)) a book or set of books giving information on many subjects This is an encyclopedia of music.

Synonyms: reference book, book of knowledge

From Greek 'enkyklios paideia', meaning 'all-around education'. From 'kyklios' (circle) + 'paideia' (education).

It's a book covering the whole 'cycle' of 'paideia' (education) - the full circle of knowledge.

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