{ Encyclopedia, Encyclopædia } (?), n. [NL., fr. Gr. &unr_;, for &unr_; &unr_;, instruction in the circle of arts and sciences: cf. F. encyclopédie. See Cyclopedia, and Encyclical.] [Formerly written encyclopædy and encyclopedy.] 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.
[1913 Webster]