'Encyclopaedia' definitions:
Definition of 'encyclopaedia'
From: WordNet
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 [syn: encyclopedia, cyclopedia, encyclopaedia, cyclopaedia]
Definition of 'Encyclopaedia'
From: GCIDE
- Encyclopedia \En*cy`clo*pe"di*a\, Encyclopaedia \En*cy`clo*p[ae]"di*a\, n. [NL., fr. Gr. ?, for ? ?, instruction in the circle of arts and sciences: cf. F. encyclop['e]die. See Cyclopedia, and Encyclical.] [Formerly written encyclop[ae]dy and encyclopedy.] The full 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. [1913 Webster]