epidemic etymology

Etymology:

• Greek "epi" (upon) + "demos" (people)

Meaning:

• A widespread outbreak of an infectious disease that affects a large number of people in a community.

Origin:

The term "epidemic" was first used by the Greek historian Thucydides in the 5th century BCE to describe the plague that ravaged Athens during the Peloponnesian War. The term originally referred to diseases that spread through human contact, but over time it has come to be used more broadly to describe any widespread outbreak of disease.

In the early 19th century, English physician William Farr proposed using the term "epidemic" to describe diseases that affect more than 10% of a population. This definition has been used by epidemiologists ever since.

Characteristics of Epidemics:

• Sudden onset: Epidemics typically begin suddenly, with a rapid increase in the number of cases.
• High attack rate: A large proportion of the population is affected by the disease.
• Limited duration: Epidemics usually last for a few weeks or months, although some may persist for longer.
• Spread: Epidemics can spread through contact with infected individuals or through the transmission of pathogens through the environment, such as water or air.

Examples of Epidemics:

• COVID-19 pandemic
• Ebola outbreak in West Africa (2014-2016)
• Cholera outbreak in Haiti (2010)
• Spanish flu pandemic (1918-1919)

epidemic relate terms

• demotic

  Etymology The term demotic derives from the Greek word dēmotikos meaning of or be

• hieratic

  Etymology The word hieratic derives from the Ancient Greek word hieratikos which m

• hieroglyphic

  Etymology Greek hieros sacred gluphē carving Meaning A system of writing

• epidemy

  Etymology From Old French epidemie from Latin epidēmia from Greek ἐπιδημία

• epidemic

  Etymology Greek epi upon demos people Meaning A widespread outbreak of a

• pandemic

  Etymology The word pandemic is derived from two Greek roots pan πάς meaning

• pestilence

  Etymology of Pestilence The word pestilence comes from the following sources Old Fre

• grippe

  Etymology The word grippe comes from the French word gripper meaning to seize It

• influenza

  Etymology The word influenza is derived from the Italian word influenza which means

• Anthony

  Etymology Latin Antonius Greek Ἀντώνιος Antónios Meaning Priceless

• tempest

  Etymology French tempête Latin tempestas tempestatis Meaning A violent storm es

• ascetic

  Etymology The word ascetic derives from the Greek askētikos meaning pertaining to

• irruption

  Etymology Middle English irrupcion from Late Latin irruptio from Latin irrumpere

• modesty

  Etymology of Modesty The word modesty originates from the Latin word modestia whic

• coupon

  Etymology French coupon Latin cooperio meaning to cut Meaning A certificate o