(ɛnˌsaɪkloʊˈpiˌdɪzəm; ɛnˌsaɪkləˈpiˌdɪzəm; ɪnˌsaɪkloʊˈpiˌdɪzəm; ɪnˌsaɪkləˈpiˌdɪzəm) or enˌcycloˈpaedism (ɛnˌsaɪkloʊˈpiˌdɪzəm; ɛnˌsaɪkləˈpiˌdɪzəm; ɪnˌsaɪkloʊˈpiˌdɪzəm; ɪnˌsaɪkləˈpiˌdɪzəm)
noun
encyclopedic knowledge or learning
encyclopedism in American English
(enˌsaikləˈpidɪzəm)
noun
1.
encyclopedic learning
2. (often cap)
the doctrines and influence of the Encyclopedists
Also: encyclopaedism
Word origin
[1825–35; encycloped(ia) + -ism]This word is first recorded in the period 1825–35. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: electrolyte, individualism, relativity, runway, structural-ism is a suffix appearing in loanwords from Greek, where it was used to form action nounsfrom verbs (baptism). On this model, -ism is used as a productive suffix in the formation of nouns denoting action or practice,state or condition, principles, doctrines, a usage or characteristic, devotion oradherence, etc. (criticism; barbarism; Darwinism; despotism; plagiarism; realism; witticism; intellectualism)