encyclical

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This part of his encyclical is absolutely self-contradictory.

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Definitions (4)

Toggle American Heritage definitions American Heritage Dictionary (2)

  1. adjective Intended for general or wide circulation.
  2. noun Roman Catholic Church A papal letter addressed to the bishops of the Church or to the hierarchy of a particular country.

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Examples (40)

  • An encyclical is the most authoritative document a pope can issue. —  Salon
  • This encyclical is, in my opinion, the most important non-inspired document ever written by human hands. —  Catholic Exchange
  • This encyclical, about the role of marital love and the dangers of artificial contraceptive use got the same reception as this most recent Pope's pronouncement. —  ProLifeBlogs
  • Pope Benedict's new social encyclical is finished and will be released in May.
  • He is likely to reiterate themes from Pope Pius XI's 1931 encyclical,
 

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This word has been looked up 64 times.

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Etymologies (1)

Toggle American Heritage etymologies American Heritage Dictionary (1)

  1. From Medieval Lattin encyclicus, circular, from Greek enkuklios : en-, in; see en-2 + kuklos, circle; see kwel-1 in Indo-European roots.
 

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/ɛnˈsɪklɪk,lɪkəl/
by American Heritage

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