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epidemic
[ ep-i-dem-ik ]
adjective
- Also epidemical. (of a disease) affecting many persons at the same time, and spreading from person to person in a locality where the disease is not permanently prevalent. Compare pandemic ( def 1 ).
- extremely prevalent; widespread.
noun
- a temporary prevalence of a disease.
- a rapid spread or increase in the occurrence of something:
an epidemic of riots.
epidemic
/ ˌɛpɪˈdɛmɪk /
adjective
- (esp of a disease) attacking or affecting many persons simultaneously in a community or area
noun
- a widespread occurrence of a disease
an influenza epidemic
- a rapid development, spread, or growth of something, esp something unpleasant
an epidemic of strikes
epidemic
/ ĕp′ĭ-dĕm′ĭk /
- An outbreak of a disease or illness that spreads rapidly among individuals in an area or population at the same time.
- See also endemic
epidemic
- A contagious disease that spreads rapidly and widely among the population in an area. Immunization and quarantine are two of the methods used to control an epidemic.
Derived Forms
- ˌepiˈdemically, adverb
Other Words From
- ep·i·dem·i·cal·ly adverb
- ep·i·de·mic·i·ty [ep-i-d, uh, -, mis, -i-tee], noun
- in·ter·ep·i·dem·ic adjective
- pre·ep·i·dem·ic noun adjective
Word History and Origins
Word History and Origins
Origin of epidemic1
Example Sentences
I led efforts to reverse epidemics overseas and have lived and worked in several dictatorships.
Between that and America’s gun violence epidemic, which Trenberth blames on poor regulations, the climate scientist felt his best option was to replant himself in New Zealand.
The result is what one Texas law enforcement official called "a little bit of an epidemic" of infant abandonment.
As well as showing up interbreeding with different populations, embedded in the ancient DNA are hugely important details on how people coped with key historical moments, such epidemics, shifts in diet, urbanisation, and industrialisation.
"Without transparency, sharing, and co-operation among countries, the world cannot adequately prevent and prepare for future epidemics and pandemics," it added.
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