Category:Epidemic

Ep`i*dem"ic, Ep`i*dem"ic*al, a. Etym: [L. epidemus, Gr. épidémique. Cf. Demagogue.]

1. (Med.)

Defn: Common to, or affecting at the same time, a large number in a community; -- applied to a disease which, spreading widely, attacks many persons at the same time; as, an epidemic disease; an epidemic catarrh, fever, etc. See Endemic.

2. Spreading widely, or generally prevailing; affecting great numbers, as an epidemic does; as, epidemic rage; an epidemic evil. It was the epidemical sin of the nation. Bp. Burnet.

epidemic Ep`i*dem"ic, n. Etym: [Cf. Epidemy.]

1. (Med.)

Defn: An epidemic disease.

2. Anything which takes possession of the minds of people as an epidemic does of their bodies; as, an epidemic of terror.