I. ə̇nˈsiklə̇kəl, en-, -lēk- adjective
also en·cyc·lic -klik, -lēk
Etymology: encyclical from Late Latin encyclicus + English -al; encyclic from Late Latin encyclicus, modification (influenced by Latin -icus -ic) of Greek enkyklios circular, general, from en in + kyklos circle, wheel — more at in , wheel
: sent to many persons or places : intended for many or for a whole order : general
an encyclical letter
II. noun
also encyclic “
( -s )
: an encyclical letter (as sent by a bishop of high church official) that treats a matter of grave or timely importance and is intended for extensive circulation ; specifically : such a letter issued by a pope