{ } n. [ NL., from Gr. ky`klos circle + paidei`a the bringing up of a child, education, erudition, fr. paidey`ein to bring up a child. See Cycle, and cf. Encyclopedia, Pedagogue. ] 1. The circle or compass of the arts and sciences (originally, of the seven so-called liberal arts and sciences); circle of human knowledge. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Hence: A work containing, in alphabetical order, information in all departments of knowledge, or on a particular department or branch; as, a cyclopedia of the physical sciences, or of mechanics; an encyclopedia. See Encyclopedia. [ PJC ]

{ } n. [ NL., fr. Gr. &unr_;, for &unr_; &unr_;, instruction in the circle of arts and sciences: cf. F. encyclopédie. See Cyclopedia, and Encyclical. ] [ Formerly written encyclopædy and encyclopedy. ] The full circle of arts and sciences; a comprehensive summary of knowledge, or of a branch of knowledge; esp., a work in which the various branches of science or art are discussed separately, and usually in alphabetical order; a cyclopedia. [ 1913 Webster ]