A book or set of books giving information on many subjects or on many aspects of one subject and typically arranged alphabetically.
‘If you are unable to find a biography, check an encyclopedia or reference book at your library.’
‘Some of my favorite books are old, gorgeously illustrated encyclopedias and atlases.’
‘The wooden headboard held many books including, the Bible, a dictionary, encyclopedias, books, songs, and poems she had written.’
‘In addition to leveling churches, houses, and graveyards, ethnic cleansers burn books, encyclopedias, and dictionaries.’
‘There were also some dictionaries, encyclopedias and travel books, so I could say that their library was complete.’
‘There were lots of bookshelves filled with books, encyclopedias and dictionaries.’
‘On the internet, there are vast chunks of information in online encyclopaedias and digital directories, all of which can be instantly updated.’
‘It stocks a vast selection of books and magazines going far beyond the expected reference books and encyclopaedias.’
‘I am looking at encyclopaedias and reference books to decide what I am best at.’
‘‘Most textbooks belong in the reference category along with encyclopedias, dictionaries, and thesauruses’.’
‘The major e-library sites will offer on-line reference tools like encyclopedias and dictionaries along with thousands of books and journal articles.’
‘Besides the standard dictionaries, encyclopedias and almanacs, I have shelf upon shelf of volumes that perhaps even a professional librarian wouldn't recognise as reference books.’
‘She has long been considered the authority on Walker's life and has been a contributor to books, encyclopedias and articles about Walker.’
‘Students can also access electronic multimedia encyclopedias, library references, and online publications.’
‘Exploring encyclopedias and resource books in both languages can enhance children's construction of new concepts.’
‘Well we learned how to use encyclopedias and almanacs and handbooks.’
‘Her citations, however, include only an encyclopedia and four books on Africa.’
‘The bulk of the book is an encyclopedia covering 700 species of ferns found in cultivation.’
‘This book is an encyclopedia of common sewing techniques from Appliqué to Zippers.’
‘The book resembles an encyclopedia, with 3,000 recipes from five other countries in addition to Italy.’
Origin
Mid 16th century modern Latin, from pseudo-Greek enkuklopaideia for enkuklios paideia ‘all-round education’.
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