synopses

Noun

synopsis (plural synopses)

1. 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…1869, Edward Drinker Cope, Synopsis of the Extinct Batrachia and Reptilia of North America. Part I.

   Synonyms:

   abridgment, abstract, conspectus, outline, overview, summary

2. A reference work containing brief articles that taken together give an overview of an entire field.
3. A prayer book for use by the laity of the church.