What is an encyclopedia?

An encyclopedia is a reference book containing an extensive collection of articles on various topics or subjects. It is designed to provide comprehensive and factual information on diverse disciplines, from history, science, technology, medicine, art, literature, and more. Encyclopedias are generally organized alphabetically or thematically, with each entry providing concise information on the subject matter.

Encyclopedias can be either printed or digital, with many modern encyclopedias being available online. They can be specialized, focusing on a particular subject or field of study, or general, covering a wide variety of areas.

Historically, encyclopedias were considered a symbol of education and intellectual achievement and were widely used by scholars, researchers, and students. Today, encyclopedias are still valuable resources for research, providing a wealth of information in a condensed and organized format.