| epilepsy |
a nervous system disorder that causes repeated lapses in physical or mental function, often including convulsions and unconsciousness. |
| epileptic |
of or indicating epilepsy. [3 definitions] |
| epilimnion |
the layer of the water of a lake, above the thermocline, that is warmest and contains the most oxygen. (Cf. hypolimnion.) |
| epilogue |
a short concluding section to a literary work, often summarizing what later becomes of the characters. [2 definitions] |
| epinephrine |
a hormone produced by the adrenal gland that stimulates muscle tissue and raises blood pressure; adrenaline. [2 definitions] |
| epiphany |
(cap.) a Christian celebration on January 6 of the revelation of the divinity of Jesus Christ to the Magi. [3 definitions] |
| epiphenomenon |
a phenomenon that appears to be related to a more important one. [2 definitions] |
| epiphyseal |
of or pertaining to an end of a long bone. |
| epiphyseal plate |
the area of growth at each end of the long bones of children and adolescents, also known as the growth plate or physis. |
| epiphysis |
the end of a long bone that is separated from the main bone by a layer of cartilage in children but is fused to the main bone in adults. |
| epiphyte |
a plant that grows upon another plant but provides its own nutrients, as certain orchids or lichens. |
| episcopacy |
government of a church by bishops. [3 definitions] |
| episcopal |
of or relating to a bishop or government of a church by bishops. [2 definitions] |
| Episcopalian |
of, belonging to, or relating to the Episcopal Church. [3 definitions] |
| episcopate |
the office, term, or post of a bishop. [3 definitions] |
| episiotomy |
an incision of the vulva often made to facilitate childbirth. |
| episode |
a single incident or event, or a related group of these, making up a segment in a life or a long narrative. [3 definitions] |
| episodic |
pertaining to or characteristic of an episode. [3 definitions] |
| epistemic |
of, connected with, or involving knowledge or the process of acquiring knowledge. [2 definitions] |
| epistemology |
the branch of philosophy dealing with the origin, nature, and limits of human knowledge. [2 definitions] |
| epistle |
a letter, esp. one having a formal subject or tone. [2 definitions] |