encyclopaedia
Comprehensive reference book
Encyclopaedia is the British spelling of encyclopedia—a comprehensive reference work containing articles on a wide range of subjects or on a particular field, arranged alphabetically or thematically.
The spelling with -ae- reflects the word's Greek origins more directly than the American -e- spelling.
Both forms are used interchangeably in British English.
Condensed reference collection
- almanacYearly data compilation
- atlasBound collection of charts
- handbookCompact reference guide
- manualWritten instructions for use
directory · guide · database · repository · archive · catalog · index · bibliography
Comprehensive general encyclopedia
- WikipediaFree collaborative online encyclopedia
- DiderotPhilosopher who assembled comprehensive knowledge
- specializedAdapted for particular function
- generalWidespread, not specialized
online · digital · print · illustrated · children's · medical · scientific · philosophical
Extensive scholarly knowledge
- scholarshipEducational funding or erudition
- learningGaining knowledge gradually
- wisdomGood judgment from experience
- educationSystematic development of mind
expertise · comprehension · understanding · enlightenment · information · facts · data · research
Substantial scholarly volume
- bookBound written work
- editionSingle published version
- hardcoverRigid-bound book format
- paperbackBook with flexible cover
folio · binding · pages · chapter · section · preface · introduction · illustrations
Relating to education or theory
- learnedHaving much knowledge
- intellectualConcerning thought and reason
- educationalPromoting knowledge or skill
- didacticIntended to instruct
pedagogical · analytical · methodical · systematic · rigorous · authoritative · peer-reviewed · researched
Covering all possibilities
- thoroughComplete in every detail
- extensiveCovering a large scope
- all-encompassingIncluding everything without exception
- wide-rangingCovering many subjects
complete · universal · inclusive · detailed · in-depth · sweeping · systematic · holistic
compendium
Condensed reference collection
manual · directory · guide · database · repository · archive · catalog · index · bibliography · lexicon
Britannica
Comprehensive general encyclopedia
- WikipediaFree collaborative online encyclopedia
- DiderotPhilosopher who assembled comprehensive knowledge
- specializedAdapted for particular function
general · online · digital · print · illustrated · children's · medical · scientific · philosophical · historical
erudition
Extensive scholarly knowledge
- scholarshipEducational funding or erudition
- learningGaining knowledge gradually
- wisdomGood judgment from experience
education · expertise · comprehension · understanding · enlightenment · information · facts · data · research · discovery
tome
Substantial scholarly volume
paperback · folio · binding · pages · chapter · section · preface · introduction · illustrations · figures
academic
Relating to education or theory
- learnedHaving much knowledge
- intellectualConcerning thought and reason
- educationalPromoting knowledge or skill
didactic · pedagogical · analytical · methodical · systematic · rigorous · authoritative · peer-reviewed · researched · vetted
exhaustive
Covering all possibilities
- thoroughComplete in every detail
- extensiveCovering a large scope
- all-encompassingIncluding everything without exception
wide-ranging · complete · universal · inclusive · detailed · in-depth · sweeping · systematic · holistic · definitive
encyclopaediatrivia
Unimportant miscellaneous facts
miscellany · hearsay · rumor · gossip
encyclopaediadictionary
Alphabetical word reference
wordbook · spelling dictionary · pocket reference · quick reference · cheat sheet
- walking encyclopaediaPerson with extensive knowledge