Encyclopedic

/ˌɛnsaɪkləˈpiːdɪk/ adjective

Definition

Covering many subjects comprehensively; having the broad, detailed, and organized scope of an encyclopedia.

Etymology

American English spelling from encyclopedia (Greek enkyklios paideia, 'complete circular education') + -ic suffix. Standardized by Noah Webster's 1828 dictionary, dropping the 'a' from British encyclopaedia.

Kelly Says

Having 'encyclopedic knowledge' is actually rarer now than in the 1800s—the internet has exploded into such specialized domains that nobody can truly be encyclopedic anymore.

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