As nouns the difference between encyclopedia and cyclopaedia
is that
encyclopedia is a comprehensive reference work (often spanning several printed volumes) with in-depth articles (usually arranged in alphabetical order, or sometimes arranged by category) on a range of subjects, sometimes general, sometimes limited to a particular field while
cyclopaedia is (archaic) the circle or compass of the arts and sciences (originally, of the seven so-called liberal arts and sciences); circle of human knowledge.
Other Comparisons: What's the difference?
encyclopedia Alternative forms
* (chiefly British) encyclopaedia
* (obsolete)
Noun
A comprehensive reference work (often spanning several printed volumes) with in-depth articles (usually arranged in alphabetical order, or sometimes arranged by category) on a range of subjects, sometimes general, sometimes limited to a particular field.
- I only use the library for the encyclopedia , as we’ve got most other books here.
- His life's work was a four-volume encyclopedia of aviation topics.
(dated) The circle of arts and sciences; a comprehensive summary of knowledge, or of a branch of knowledge.
( Webster 1913)
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.
Derived terms
* -pedia
Related terms
* encyclopedical
* encyclopedic
* encyclopedic fiction
* encyclopedist
* encyclopedic dictionary
See also
* dictionary
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cyclopaedia English
Alternative forms
* (UK)
* (l) (US)
Noun
( en noun)
(archaic) The circle or compass of the arts and sciences (originally, of the seven so-called liberal arts and sciences); circle of human knowledge.
(archaic) An encyclopedia.
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