Etymology

From < < < + , from

Noun

1. A comprehensive reference work with articles on a range of topics.

   I only use the library for the encyclopedia, we've got most other books here.

Usage notes

The spelling encyclopedia is standard in American English, preferred in Canadian English, accepted in Australian and International English, and also very common in British English. It is more common than encyclopaedia, for example, in UK newspapers on Google News in 2009 by a 7:3 margin.

Related terms

• encyclopedic
• encyclopedic fiction
• encyclopedist
• encyclopedic dictionary