Compendia Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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compendia

[kษ™mหˆpษ›ndiษ™ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

collection of works

Compendia refer to a collection of concise but comprehensive summaries of information on various subjects, particularly for academic or scholarly use. These works are designed to provide an overview of essential points, making them invaluable resources for research or study. They often compile key articles, studies, or data, allowing readers to gain a quick understanding of complex topics. Typically, compendia are created by experts in the field and serve as reference guides.

Synonyms

anthology, collection, digest, summary.

Examples of usage

  • The university library has a collection of medical compendia.
  • Researchers often rely on legal compendia for accurate information.
  • The compendia of historical events provides a great overview.
  • In academia, compendia are crucial for literature reviews.

Translations

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Origin of 'compendia'

The term 'compendium' originates from the Latin word 'compendium', which means 'a summary' or 'a collection of things'. The Latin term itself comes from 'com' meaning 'with' and 'pendere' meaning 'to hang', reflecting the idea of hanging together various bits of information in one place. The usage of 'compendium' in English dates back to the late 15th century. Initially, it was used to describe brief summaries of larger works, particularly in academic and literary contexts. Over time, the definition has broadened to include various types of concise references across multiple fields of study. Compendia have become essential tools for scholars, providing quick access to proficient knowledge in an increasingly information-rich environment.


Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,279 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.