encyclopedia
[/ɪnˌsaɪ.kləˈpi.di.ə/]
nounfemininepl: encyclopedias
enciclopédia
1. A comprehensive reference work containing articles on a wide range of subjects, typically arranged alphabetically
The encyclopedia provided detailed information about ancient civilizations.
A enciclopédia fornecia informações detalhadas sobre civilizações antigas.
2. A person or thing containing or suggesting the range of information found in an encyclopedia
He is a walking encyclopedia of sports statistics.
Ele é uma enciclopédia viva de estatísticas de esportes.
3. A complete work or collection of knowledge on a particular subject
This book is an encyclopedia of modern art movements.
Este livro é uma enciclopédia dos movimentos de arte moderna.
Encyclopedias held significant cultural importance in both Brazilian and American education before the internet era. In Brazil, owning a set of encyclopedias was considered a mark of education and intellectual prestige. Today, the term is often used metaphorically to describe knowledgeable people. Digital encyclopedias like Wikipedia have largely replaced traditional bound versions in both countries, but the word remains in common use.
Related Idioms & Phrases
a walking encyclopedia - uma pessoa extremamente conhecedora de um assunto
encyclopedia of knowledge - depósito completo de conhecimento
Look up more words on Fala2Me
The free English-Portuguese dictionary with real Brazilian accents, NYC slang, conjugator and more
Open Fala2Me →