encyclopedic definition (Q14463)

an explanation of a word or phrase that is comprehensive and includes information that is not strictly linguistic, a definition that reflects encyclopedic knowledge or facts; for example, the definition of elephant in Collins English Dictionary: Either of the two proboscidean mammals of the family Elephantidae. The African elephant (Loxodonta africana) is the larger species, with large flapping ears and a less humped back than the Indian elephant (Elephas maximus), of S and SE Asia.