encyclical
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1en·cyc·li·cal

adjective \in-ˈsi-kli-kəl, en-\

Definition of ENCYCLICAL

: addressed to all the individuals of a group : general

Origin of ENCYCLICAL

Late Latin encyclicus, from Greek enkyklios circular, general, from en in + kyklos circle — more at in, wheel
First Known Use: 1647

2encyclical

noun

Definition of ENCYCLICAL

: an encyclical letter; specifically : a papal letter to the bishops of the church as a whole or to those in one country

First Known Use of ENCYCLICAL

1837

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