Encyclopedia: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from the Greek 'enkuklios paideia', meaning 'general education'.
• It originally referred to a collection of knowledge and skills, not just a book.
• The earliest uses point to ancient texts that aimed to compile human knowledge.

Historical Origins

• The first modern encyclopedia was published in France in the 18th century, known as 'Encyclopédie'.
• This work was edited by Denis Diderot and aimed to promote Enlightenment ideas.
• Encyclopedias became a symbol of intellectualism and were often censored or resisted by authorities.

Technology Impact

• The rise of the internet has transformed encyclopedic knowledge from printed works to online platforms.
• Wikipedia, launched in 2001, democratized access to information, allowing anyone to contribute.
• Collaboration and crowd-sourcing in online encyclopedias changed the traditional author-centric model.

Cultural Significance

• Encyclopedias sometimes reflect cultural values and biases present in their time of publication.
• They serve as historical records, documenting knowledge and social progress through the ages.
• Collections are often tailored for specific cultures, highlighting regional knowledge and perspectives.

Literature

• Many authors have turned to encyclopedic formats, mixing fiction with extensive factual content.
• Jorge Luis Borges wrote about the concept of an infinite encyclopedia in his fiction, exploring order and chaos.
• Encyclopedic novels aim to capture the complexity of modern life much like a traditional encyclopedia.

With rank #17,082, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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• 17081 expropriation
• 17082 encyclopedia
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• 17084 kitten
• 17085 underwriter
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