Ep`i*dem"ic (?), Ep`i*dem"ic*al (?), a. [L. epidemus, Gr. , , among the people, epidemic; in + people: cf. F. 'epid'emique. Cf. Demagogue.]

1. Med.

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.

© Webster 1913.


Ep`i*dem"ic (?), n. [Cf. Epidemy.]

1. Med.

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.

© Webster 1913.

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