Letters and spelling
This list gathers words built on the Greek prefix epi-, meaning 'upon,' 'above,' or 'outer.' It's suited to students studying Greek roots, science learners meeting terms like epidermis and epicenter, and anyone curious about how the prefix quietly shapes so much everyday meaning.
| Word | Meaning | In a sentence | Save |
|---|---|---|---|
| epidemicnoun | A widespread occurrence of an infectious disease affecting many people in a community at the same time. | Health officials declared an epidemic after the virus spread rapidly across the city. | |
| epidermisnoun | The outer layer of the skin that covers and protects the tissue beneath it. | A sunburn damages the epidermis, causing the skin to peel within a few days. | |
| epiglottisnoun | A flap of cartilage at the base of the tongue that prevents food from entering the windpipe. | The epiglottis closes automatically each time you swallow to protect your airway. | |
| epilepsynoun | A neurological disorder marked by recurring seizures caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. | Medication has allowed her to manage her epilepsy without a seizure for years. | |
| epilepticadjective | Relating to or affected by epilepsy, a disorder causing recurring seizures. | An epileptic seizure interrupted the meeting, and colleagues quickly called for medical help. | |
| epiloguenoun | A short final section of a book, play, or film that comments on or concludes the story. | The epilogue revealed what became of each character ten years after the war ended. | |
| episodenoun | A single installment of a television or radio series, or one distinct event within a longer sequence. | The show's finale episode left fans debating the ending for weeks afterward. | |
| episodicadjective | Occurring occasionally and irregularly, or structured as a series of loosely connected episodes. | His memory of that summer was episodic, a handful of vivid scenes rather than a full story. | |
| epistlenoun | A formal or literary letter, especially one intended for publication or public reading. | Paul's epistles to early Christian communities remain central texts of the New Testament. | |
| epitaphnoun | Words inscribed on a tombstone, or written in memory of someone who has died. | Her epitaph simply read that she had loved fiercely and lived without regret. | |
| epithetnoun | A descriptive word or phrase attached to a name or used to characterize someone, sometimes contemptuous or abusive. | The tabloid hurled every epithet imaginable at the disgraced politician. | |
| epitheliumnoun | A thin tissue that lines the surfaces of organs, glands, and body cavities. | The epithelium lining the lungs helps trap dust and other particles before they cause harm. | |
| epitomenoun | A person or thing that perfectly represents a quality, type, or class. | With her calm, unhurried grace, she is the epitome of professionalism. | |
| epicenternoun | The point on the earth's surface directly above where an earthquake begins, or the central point of something. | The epicenter of the earthquake was located just off the coast near the fishing village. | |
| epicurenoun | A person who takes great pleasure in fine food and drink and is discerning about quality. | As a devoted epicure, he planned entire vacations around the best regional restaurants. | |
| epigramnoun | A short, witty statement or poem that expresses an idea in a clever, memorable way. | The critic praised her essay for a single epigram that captured its entire argument. | |
| epigraphnoun | A short quotation placed at the beginning of a book or chapter to suggest its theme. | The novel's epigraph, a line from an old folk song, hinted at its central tragedy. | |
| epiphanynoun | A sudden and striking realization or insight, often about oneself or a situation. | She had an epiphany while walking home and finally understood her mistake. | |
| epiduralnoun | An injection of anesthetic into the lower spine to numb pain, especially during childbirth. | She requested an epidural once the contractions became too painful to manage. | |
| epinephrinenoun | A hormone and medication, also called adrenaline, that increases heart rate and opens airways during emergencies. | Paramedics administered epinephrine immediately to counter the boy's severe allergic reaction. |
No matching words in this collection.
The Greek prefix epi- generally means 'upon,' 'above,' or 'in addition to.' The epidermis sits upon the deeper layers of skin, an epicenter lies above the point where an earthquake begins, and an epilogue comes after, or in addition to, the main story. Watching for this prefix can help a reader guess at an unfamiliar word's meaning.
It means 'upon,' 'above,' or 'in addition to,' as in epidermis or epilogue.