Epidemic
Epidemic , adjective
[Latin epidemus, Greek {not transcribed}, {not transcribed}, among the people, epidemic; {not transcribed} in + {not transcribed} people: compare French épidémique. Compare Demagogue.]
1.
(Medicine) 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.
Also: Epidemical
Epidemic , noun
[Compare Epidemy.]
1.
(Medicine) 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.