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epidemic

ep·i·dem·ic

epidemic

 
 
pronunciation:
e p de mihk
parts of speech:
adjective, noun
features:
Word Combinations (adjective, noun), Word Explorer, Word Parts
part of speech: adjective
definition 1: spreading rapidly to a great many individuals in a locality, as a contagious disease.
similar words:
contagious, epizootic, pandemic
definition 2: affecting a great many.
The movie produced an epidemic fear of sharks.
synonyms:
pervasive, sweeping
similar words:
far-reaching, general, pandemic, prevalent, rampant, rife, widespread
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part of speech: noun
definition 1: an outbreak, usu. of disease, that spreads rapidly, afflicting many individuals.
an epidemic of measles
 
similar words:
epizootic, outbreak, pandemic, pestilence, plague, scourge
definition 2: a rapid spread or growth of some phenomenon.
synonyms:
outbreak, upsurge
similar words:
flurry, increase, plague, rash, rise, upswing
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derivation: epidemically (adv.)
Word Explorer
See
  disease, virus
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