What does cyclopedic mean?
The term cyclopedic refers to something that is comprehensive and authoritative, often to the point of being exhaustive or encyclopedic in scope. This adjective is typically used to describe a person's knowledge or a written work that covers a subject in great detail and with a high degree of accuracy. Cyclopedic is often used in formal or academic contexts to convey a sense of thoroughness and reliability. The word is derived from cyclopedia, an archaic term for an encyclopedia. While not commonly used in everyday conversation, cyclopedic is a useful word for describing works or individuals that embody a broad and deep understanding of a particular subject or field.
adjectiveComprehensive and authoritative, like an encyclopedia or a cyclopedia. Having the characteristics of or resembling a cyclopedia.
- Having the characteristics of or resembling a cyclopedia.
- Comprehensive and authoritative.
"The professor's cyclopedic knowledge of history impressed the students."
"The professor's cyclopedic knowledge of history impressed the students."
"The website provided a cyclopedic overview of the scientific topic."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of cyclopedic
Cyclopedic originates from the noun cyclopedia, which is an archaic term for an encyclopedia. The word cyclopedia itself comes from the Greek words 'kyklos', meaning circle, and 'paideia', meaning education or knowledge. Historically, a cyclopedia referred to a comprehensive and systematic collection of knowledge. The adjective cyclopedic emerged to describe something that has the characteristics of or resembles a cyclopedia.
Usage notes
Formal or academic contexts; somewhat rare in informal conversation.