Sekirov Dictionary

epidemic

/ˌɛpɪˈdɛmɪk/

noun 4
adjective 2
forms 3

noun4

•
A widespread disease that affects many humans in a population.
- At that time, the city [Christiania, now Oslo] was in the grip of a cholera epidemic, and victims were dying at the rate of 60 a day. Bradshaw contracted the disease, and died on September 6 [1853]. — 1950
An occurrence of a disease or disorder in a human population at a frequency higher than that expected in a given time period; an episode of outbreak and subsequent high prevalence.
A heightened occurrence of anything harmful.
(figurative) The spreading of an idea or belief amongst a population.

adjective2

•
Of, related to, or being an epidemic: a widespread outbreak of disease in humans.
- The tetany that was epidemic among slaved children was actually the result of severe calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D deficiency caused by chronic malnutrition. — 2008
•
(figurative) Like an epidemic: widespread in a bad way.
- Epidemic hysteria occurred upon the incumbent’s reelection.

forms

epidemics · more epidemic · most epidemic

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