noun

encyclopedia

encyclopedia, cyclopedia

I looked it up in the encyclopedia.

I looked it up in the encyclopedia.

This book is an encyclopedia of music.

This book is an encyclopedia of music.

an encyclopedia of ((sth.)) a comprehensive book about a subject This book is an encyclopedia of music.

Synonyms: reference book, lexicon

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

Think of a 'cycle' of knowledge, a book that covers everything in a circle.

This page is designed for learning support. Please use it as a learning reference, not as a formal reference.