encyclopedia etymology

Etymology:

• Greek: ἐγκύκλιος (enkyklios) "circular, general, universal"
• Latin: encyclopaedia

Meaning:

An encyclopedia is a comprehensive work that provides summaries or articles on a wide range of topics, typically arranged alphabetically or by category. It aims to provide a broad overview of human knowledge and a reference for further study.

Origin:

The term "encyclopedia" was first coined by the Roman scholar Marcus Terentius Varro in the 1st century BCE for his work "Disciplinarum Libri IX." This work was a collection of articles on various subjects, including grammar, rhetoric, mathematics, and medicine.

The modern concept of an encyclopedia as a comprehensive reference work evolved over time, with notable contributions from:

• Pliny the Elder: His "Naturalis Historia" (1st century CE) covered a wide range of subjects, from astronomy to zoology.
• Isidore of Seville: His "Etymologiae" (7th century CE) provided definitions and explanations for thousands of terms in various fields.
• Pierre Bayle: His "Dictionnaire historique et critique" (17th century) introduced critical analysis and scholarly footnotes into encyclopedia articles.
• Denis Diderot and Jean d'Alembert: Their "Encyclopédie" (18th century) was a landmark work that aimed to provide a comprehensive and systematic account of all human knowledge.

Today, encyclopedias are available in various formats, including print, online, and multimedia. They continue to serve as valuable resources for education, research, and general knowledge.

encyclopedia relate terms

• cyclopedia

  Etymology The word cyclopedia is derived from two Greek words κύκλος kyklos

• encyclopedia

  Etymology Greek ἐγκύκλιος enkyklios circular general universal Latin

• broadcasting

  Etymology The term broadcasting is derived from the verb broadcast which originall

• homoioteleuton

  Etymology Homoioteleuton derives from two Greek words Homoios ὅμοιος mean

• english

  Etymology The word English is derived from the following roots Angli Latin A Germ

• fetch

  Etymology The word fetch comes from the Middle English word fetchen which in turn is

• dysphemism

  Etymology Dys Greek prefix meaning bad or difficult Phemism Greek word meaning

• horology

  Etymology and Origin The word horology comes from the Greek words hōra ώρα me

• hansom

  Meaning A horse drawn carriage for hire A stylish and elegant vehicle Etymology O

• reference

  Etymology is the study of the origin and development of words and their meanings It exami

• protest

  Etymology The word protest comes from the Late Latin word protestari meaning to bea

• psychology

  Etymology Psycho from Greek psyche meaning mind soul or breath logy from Gree