EPIDEMIC Meaning and
Definition
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An epidemic refers to the widespread occurrence of a specific infectious disease, affecting a significantly higher number of individuals within a particular population or geographical area than is typically expected. It is characterized by a rapid surge in the number of cases, surpassing the norm, and often leading to a higher mortality rate. Epidemics can manifest in a specific region, a country, or even globally, depending on the extent and severity of the disease's spread. Common examples of epidemics include diseases such as influenza, cholera, HIV/AIDS, Ebola, or coronavirus.
The term "epidemic" is derived from the Greek words "epi" meaning "upon" and "demos" meaning "people," reflecting the impact and widespread nature of such diseases among communities. Epidemics occur due to various factors, including the virulence and contagiousness of the pathogen, a lack of immune response or medical intervention, unsanitary living conditions, travel patterns, and social behaviors that facilitate the infection's transmission.
When an epidemic surpasses its initial boundaries and spreads across continents or even globally, it transitions into a pandemic. Epidemics throughout history, such as the Black Death in the 14th century or the Spanish flu in 1918-1919, have caused immense human suffering, economic disruptions, and societal changes. Timely measures, such as quarantine, mass vaccination, public health campaigns, and the development of effective treatments, can help mitigate the impact of epidemics and prevent them from reaching pandemic proportions.
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1. Noting a disease attacking nearly simultaneously a large number of people in a community; it is distinguished from endemic in that the disease is not indigenous or continuously present but has been introduced from without. 2. The extensive prevalence in a community of a disease brought from without, or a temporary increase in number of cases of an endemic disease.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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• Attacking many persons; prevailing generally; affecting great numbers.
• An infectious or contagious disease, attacking many persons at the same time, but of a temporary character.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for EPIDEMIC *
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Other Common Misspellings for EPIDEMIC
Etymology of EPIDEMIC
The word "epidemic" has its origins in ancient Greek. It comes from the Greek word "epidemia", which is a compound of the prefix "epi" meaning "upon" or "among" and "demos" meaning "people". Thus, "epidemia" translates to "epi-demos", which can be understood as "a disease affecting many people". The term originally referred to the rapid spread of a disease within a particular region or population. It has been in use since the 17th century in English to describe the occurrence of contagious diseases that affect a large number of individuals within a population or community.
Similar spelling words for EPIDEMIC
- eupotamic,
- epidendrum,
- epitomic,
- epidemica,
- IPDMC,
- Endemo-epidemic,
- anti-epidemic,
- Epidemique,
- Epidemick,
- IPDMUG.
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