encyclopaedia
Pronunciation:
/ənˌsəɪ.kləˈpi.di.ə//ɪnˌsaɪ.kləˈpi(ː).di.ə//ɪnˌsaɪ.kləˈpi(ː).di.ə/noun
Definitions
A comprehensive reference work (often spanning several printed volumes) with articles (usually arranged in alphabetical order, or sometimes arranged by category) on a range of subjects, sometimes general, sometimes limited to a particular field.
Example: His life's work was a four-volume encyclopedia of aviation topics.
The circle of arts and sciences; a comprehensive summary of knowledge, or of a branch of knowledge.