synopsis

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   A brief summary of the major points of a written work, either as prose or as a table; an abridgment or condensation of a work.

   The following Synopsis is intended as a monograph of those species of the order hitherto discovered…

2. 2
   noun

   a sketchy summary of the main points of an argument or theory

3. 3
   noun

   A reference work containing brief articles that taken together give an overview of an entire field.

4. 4
   noun

   A prayer book for use by the laity of the church.

Etymology

From Late Latin synopsis, itself from Ancient Greek σύνοψις (súnopsis), from σύν (sún, “with or whole”) + ὄψις (ópsis, “view”) meaning whole view.