from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
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]