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Definition of "encyclical" []

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

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "encyclical" in a sentence
  • "In the early centuries the term encyclical was applied, not only to papal letters, but to certain letters emanating from bishops or archbishops and directed to their own flocks or to other bishops."
  • "Of course, once the encyclical is available, I'll be posting about it with as much economy as possible."
  • "The encyclical is expected to be released on July 6th or 7th, shortly before President Obama is scheduled to meet with the Holy Father on the afternoon of July 10th."
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