noun
encyclopedia
ihn-syk-luh-PEE-dee-uh
noun
1
A reference work containing articles on a wide range of subjects, usually arranged alphabetically or by category.
"She looked up the country's history in an old encyclopedia."
"Online encyclopedias are updated far more often than printed ones."
How to Use Encyclopedia
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA big reference book (or website) covering many topics.
UK vs US
US spelling "encyclopedia"; UK spelling "encyclopaedia."
Common pairings
online encyclopedia
encyclopedia entry
Word Forms
encyclopedias plural, encyclopediae plural, encyclopediæ plural
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She looked up the country's history in an old _____.
Etymology
From New Latin encyclopaedia, based on Ancient Greek enkyklios paideia, meaning "general education" or literally "education in a circle of knowledge."