Encyclopedia
Noun
Definition: A book or set of books containing articles on various topics or aspects of a particular field arranged alphabetically.
Synonyms: Reference book, Compendium, Lexicon
Antonyms:
- The student referred to the encyclopedia for information on dinosaurs.
- The Encyclopedia Britannica is a well-known reference source.
- "Encyclopedia" can be split into "en" + "cyclopedia," where "cyclopedia" sounds like "circle," indicating a comprehensive collection of knowledge in various fields.
Etymology:
The word "encyclopedia" originated from the Greek word "enkyklios paideia," which means "general education" or "circle of arts and sciences." It was later adapted into Latin as "encyclopaedia" and then into English.
Historical Usage:The concept of encyclopedias dates back to ancient times, with notable examples being Pliny the Elder's "Naturalis Historia" and medieval encyclopedic works such as "De proprietatibus rerum." The modern form of encyclopedias emerged in the 18th century with the publication of the Encyclopédie by Denis Diderot and Jean le Rond d'Alembert.
Related Idioms:
Explanation:
Although an encyclopedia can provide information on a wide range of topics, it is different from a textbook, which is typically used for educational purposes in a specific subject area. An encyclopedia serves as a general reference source rather than a comprehensive educational resource for a particular course or discipline.
Misconceptions:
Confusing an encyclopedia with a textbook.
Explanation:Although an encyclopedia can provide information on a wide range of topics, it is different from a textbook, which is typically used for educational purposes in a specific subject area. An encyclopedia serves as a general reference source rather than a comprehensive educational resource for a particular course or discipline.