D defs.my
Entry 1 sense Webster, 1913

Encyclopedia

/ĭn-sīkˌ-ləp-ēd'-ē-ə/ · En·cy·clo·pe·di·a · IPA /ɪnˌsaɪ.kləˈpi(ː).di.ə/
01 n. 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 …
  1. 1.
    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.