encyclopedia Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a reference work (often in several volumes) containing articles on various topics (often arranged in alphabetical order) dealing with the entire range of human knowledge or with some particular specialty
    cyclopedia; encyclopaedia; cyclopaedia.

WordNet


En*cy`clo*pe"di*a, En*cy`clo*pæ"di*a noun (Also<
  • Encyclopaedia
  • Encyclopedia
  • Encyclopædia
)
Etymology
NL., fr. Gr. , for , instruction in the circle of arts and sciences: cf. F. encyclopédie. See Cyclopedia, and Encyclical.
Definitions
  1. 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.

Webster 1913