ep·i·dem·ic ( p -d m k) also ep·i·dem·i·cal (- -k l)adj.1. Spreading rapidly and extensively by infection and affecting many individuals in an area or a population at the same time: an epidemic outbreak of influenza. 2. Widely prevalent: epidemic discontent. n.1. An outbreak of a contagious disease that spreads rapidly and widely. 2. A rapid spread, growth, or development: an unemployment epidemic.
[French épidémique, from épidémie, an epidemic, from Old French espydymie, from Medieval Latin epid mia, from Greek epid mi , prevalence of an epidemic disease, from epid mos, prevalent : epi-, epi- + d mos, people; see d - in Indo-European roots.]
ep i·dem i·cal·ly adv. |
epidemic Noun
1. a widespread occurrence of a disease
2. a rapid development or spread of something: an epidemic of rape
Adjective
(esp. of a disease) affecting many people in an area: stress has now reached epidemic proportions [Greek epi among + dēmos people]
epidemica disease that is widely prevalent in a particular area. — epidemical, adj. — epidemicity, n.
See also:
Disease and Illness
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. | epidemic - a widespread outbreak of an infectious disease; many people are infected at the same timeoutbreak, irruption, eruption - a sudden violent spontaneous occurrence (usually of some undesirable condition); "the outbreak of hostilities" pandemic - an epidemic that is geographically widespread; occurring throughout a region or even throughout the world |
| Adj. | 1. | epidemic - (especially of medicine) of disease or anything resembling a disease; attacking or affecting many individuals in a community or a population simultaneously; "an epidemic outbreak of influenza"ecdemic - of or relating to a disease that originates outside the locality in which it occurs endemic, endemical - of or relating to a disease (or anything resembling a disease) constantly present to greater or lesser extent in a particular locality; "diseases endemic to the tropics"; "endemic malaria"; "food shortages and starvation are endemic in certain parts of the world" |
epidemic
Translations