Defn: The upper part of the abdomen.
EPIGEALEp`i*ge"al, a. (Bot.)
Defn: Epigæous. [R.]
EPIGEEEp"i*gee, n. Etym: [NL. epigeum, fr. Gr. Epigæa.]
Defn: See Perigee. [Obs.]
EPIGENEEp"i*gene, a. Etym: [Pref. epi- + Gr.
1. (Crystallog.)
Defn: Foreign; unnatural; unusual; — said of forms of crystals not natural to the substances in which they are found.
2. (Geol.)
Defn: Formed originating on the surface of the earth; — opposed to hypogene; as, epigene rocks.
EPIGENESISEp`i*gen"e*sis, n. Etym: [Pref. epi- + genesis.] (Biol.)
Defn: The theory of generation which holds that the germ is created entirely new, not merely expanded, by the procreative power of the parents. It is opposed to the theory of evolution, also to syngenesis.
EPIGENESISTEp`i*gen"e*sist, n. (Biol.)
Defn: One who believes in, or advocates the theory of, epigenesis.
EPIGENETICEp`i*ge*net"ic, a.
Defn: Of or pertaining to the epigenesis; produced according to the theory of epigenesis.
EPIGEOUSEp`i*ge"ous, a.
Defn: Same as Epigæous.
EPIGEUMEp*i*ge"um, n. Etym: [NL. See Epigee.]
Defn: See Perigee. [Obs.]
EPIGLOTTICEp`i*glot"tic, a. (Anat.)
Defn: Pertaining to, or connected with, the epiglottis.
EPIGLOTTIDEANEp`i*glot*tid"e*an, a. (Anat.)
Defn: Same as Epiglottic.
EPIGLOTTISEp`i*glot"tis, n. Etym: [NL., fr. Gr. Glottis.] (Anat.)
Defn: A cartilaginous lidlike appendage which closes the glottis while food or drink is passing while food or drink is passing through the pharynx.
EPIGNATHOUSE*pig"na*thous, a. Etym: [Epi- + Gr. (Zoöl.)
Defn: Hook-billed; having the upper mandible longer than the lower.
EPIGRAMEp"i*gram, n. Etym: [L. epigramma, fr. Gr. épigramme. See Graphic.]
1. A short poem treating concisely and pointedly of a single thought or event. The modern epigram is so contrived as to surprise the reader with a witticism or ingenious turn of thought, and is often satirical in character. Dost thou think I care for a satire or an epigram Shak.
Note: Epigrams were originally inscription on tombs, statues, temples, triumphal arches, etc.
2. An effusion of wit; a bright thought tersely and sharply expressed, whether in verse or prose.
3. The style of the epigram. Antithesis, i. e., bilateral stroke, is the soul of epigram in its later and technical signification. B. Cracroft.
EPIGRAMMATIC; EPIGRAMMATICALEp`i*gram*mat"ic, Ep`i*gram*mat"ic*al,Etym: [L. epigrammaticus: cf.F. épigrammatique.]
1. Writing epigrams; dealing in epigrams; as, an epigrammatical poet.
2. Suitable to epigrams; belonging to epigrams; like an epigram; pointed; piquant; as, epigrammatic style, wit, or sallies of fancy.
EPIGRAMMATICALLYEp`i*gram*mat"ic*al*ly, adv.
Defn: In the way of epigram; in an epigrammatic style.
EPIGRAMMATIST Ep`i*gram"ma*tist, n. Etym: [L. epigrammatista: cf. F. épigrammatiste.]
Defn: One who composes epigrams, or makes use of them.The brisk epigrammatist showing off his own cleverness. Holmes.
EPIGRAMMATIZE Ep`i*gram"ma*tize, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Epigrammatized; p. pr. & vb. n. Epigrammatizing.]
Defn: To represent by epigrams; to express by epigrams.
EPIGRAMMATIZEREp`i*gram"ma*ti`zer, n.
Defn: One who writes in an affectedly pointed style.Epigrammatizers of our English prose style. Coleridge.
EPIGRAMMISTEp"i*gram`mist, n.
Defn: An epigrammatist. Jer. Taylor.
EPIGRAPHEp"i*graph, n. Etym: [Gr. épigraphe. See Epigram.]
1. Any inscription set upon a building; especially, one which has to do with the building itself, its founding or dedication.
2. (Literature)
Defn: A citation from some author, or a sentence framed for the purpose, placed at the beginning of a work or of its separate divisions; a motto.
EPIGRAPHIC; EPIGRAPHICALEp`i*graph"ic, Ep`i*graph"ic*al, a.
Defn: Of or pertaining to epigraphs or to epigraphy; as, an epigraphic style; epigraphical works or studies.
EPIGRAPHICSEp`i*graph"ics, n.
Defn: The science or study of epigraphs.
EPIGRAPHISTE*pig"ra*phist, n.
Defn: A student of, or one versed in, epigraphy.
EPIGRAPHYE*pig"ra*phy, n.
Defn: The science of inscriptions; the art of engraving inscriptions or of deciphering them.
EPIGYNOUSE*pig"y*nous, a. Etym: [Pref. epi- + Gr. épigyne.] (Bot.)
Defn: Adnate to the surface of the ovary, so as to be apparently inserted upon the top of it; — said of stamens, petals, sepals, and also of the disk.
EPIHYALEp`i*hy"al, n. Etym: [Pref. epi- + the Greek letter (Anat.)
Defn: A segment next above the ceratohyal in the hyoidean arch.
EPILEPSYEp"i*lep`sy, n. Etym: [L. epilepsia, Gr. épilepsie. Cf. Catalepsy.](Med.)
Defn: The "falling sickness," so called because the patient falls suddenly to the ground; a disease characterized by paroxysms (or fits) occurring at interval and attended by sudden loss of consciousness, and convulsive motions of the muscles. Dunglison.
EPILEPTICEp`i*lep"tic, a. Etym: [L. epilepticus, Gr. épileptique.]
Defn: Pertaining to, affected with, or of the nature of, epilepsy.
EPILEPTICEp`i*lep"tic, n.
1. One affected with epilepsy.
2. A medicine for the cure of epilepsy.
EPILEPTICALEp`i*lep"tic*al, a.
Defn: Epileptic.
EPILEPTIFORMEp`i*lep"ti*form, a.
Defn: Resembling epilepsy.
EPILEPTOGENOUSEp`i*lep*tog"e*nous, a. Etym: [Gr. -genous.] (Med.)
Defn: Producing epilepsy or epileptoid convulsions; — applied to areas of the body or of the nervous system, stimulation of which produces convulsions.
EPILEPTOIDEp`i*lep"toid, a. Etym: [Gr. -oid.] (Med.)
Defn: Resembling epilepsy; as, epileptoid convulsions.
EPILOGATIONEp`i*lo*ga"tion, n. Etym: [LL. epilogatio.]
Defn: A summing up in a brief account. [Obs.] Udall.
EPILOGIC; EPILOGICALEp`i*log"ic, Ep`i*log"ic*al, a. Etym: [Gr.
Defn: Of or pertaining to an epilogue.
EPILOGISME*pil"o*gism, n. Etym: [Gr. Epilogue.]
Defn: Enumeration; computation. [R.] J. Gregory.
EPILOGISTICEp`i*lo*gis"tic, a. Etym: [Cf. Gr. Epilogism.]
Defn: Of or pertaining to epilogue; of the nature of an epilogue. T.Warton.
EPILOGIZEE*pil"o*gize, v. i. & t. Etym: [See Epilogism.]
Defn: To speak an epilogue to; to utter as an epilogue.
EPILOGUEEp"i*logue, n. Etym: [F. épilogue, L. epilogus, fr. Gr. Legend.]
1. (Drama)
Defn: A speech or short poem addressed to the spectators and recited by one of the actors, after the conclusion of the play. A good play no epilogue, yet . . . good plays prove the better by the help of good epilogues. Shak.
2. (Rhet.)
Defn: The closing part of a discourse, in which the principal matters are recapitulated; a conclusion.
EPILOGUIZEEp"i*lo*guize, v. i. & t.
Defn: Same as Epilogize.
EPIMACHUSE*pim"a*chus, n. Etym: [NL., fr. Gr. (Zoöl.)
Defn: A genus of highly ornate and brilliantly colored birds ofAustralia, allied to the birds of Paradise.
EPIMERAE*pim"e*ra, n. pl.
Defn: See Epimeron.
EPIMERALE*pim"e*ral, a. (Zoöl.)
Defn: Pertaining to the epimera.
EPIMEREEp"i*mere, n. Etym: [Epi- + -mere.] (Biol.)
Defn: One of the segments of the transverse axis, or the so called homonymous parts; as, for example, one of the several segments of the extremities in vertebrates, or one of the similar segments in plants, such as the segments of a segmented leaf. Syd. Soc. Lex.
EPIMERON E*pim"e*ron, n.; pl. Epimera. Etym: [NL., fr. Gr. (Zoöl.) (a) In crustaceans: The part of the side of a somite external to the basal joint of each appendage. See Illust. under Crustacea. (b) In insects: The lateral piece behind the episternum. [Written also epimerum.]
EPINASTICEp`i*nas"tic, a. Etym: [Pref. epi- + Gr. (Physiol.)
Defn: A term applied to that phase of vegetable growth in which an organ grows more rapidly on its upper than on its under surface. See Hyponastic.
EPINEURALEp`i*neu"ral, a. Etym: [Pref. epi- + neural.] (Anat.)
Defn: Arising from the neurapophysis of a vertebra.
EPINEURIUMEp`i*neu"ri*um, n. Etym: [NL., fr. Gr. (Anat.)
Defn: The connective tissue framework and sheath of a nerve which bind together the nerve bundles, each of which has its own special sheath, or perineurium.
EPINGLETTEEp`in*glette", n. Etym: [F.] (Mil.)
Defn: An iron needle for piercing the cartridge of a cannon before priming.
EPINICIALEp`i*ni"cial, a. Etym: [See Epinicion.]
Defn: Relating to victory. "An epinicial song." T. Warton.
EPINICIONEp`i*ni"cion, n. Etym: [NL., fr. Gr. epinicium.]
Defn: A song of triumph. [Obs.] T. Warton.
EPINIKIANEp`i*nik"i*an, a.
Defn: Epinicial.
EPIORNISEp`i*or"nis, n. Etym: [NL.: cf. F. épiornis. See Æpyornis.] (Zoöl.)
Defn: One of the gigantic ostrichlike birds of the genus Æpiornis, only recently extinct. Its remains have been found in Madagascar. [Written also Æpyornis.]
EPIOTICEp`i*o"tic, n. Etym: [Pref. epi- + Gr. (Anat.)
Defn: The upper and outer element of periotic bone, — in man forming a part of the temporal bone.
EPIPEDOMETRYEp`i*pe*dom"e*try, n. Etym: [Gr. -metry.] (Geom.)
Defn: The mensuration of figures standing on the same base. [Obs.]
EPIPERIPHERALEp`i*pe*riph"er*al, a. Etym: [Pref. epi- + peripheral.] (Physiol.)
Defn: Connected with, or having its origin upon, the external surface of the body; — especially applied to the feelings which originate at the extremities of nerves distributed on the outer surface, as the sensation produced by touching an object with the finger; — opposed to entoperipheral. H. Spenser.
EPIPETALOUSEp`i*pet"al*ous, a. Etym: [Pref. epi- + petal.] (Bot.)
Defn: Borne on the petals or corolla.
EPIPHANYE*piph"a*ny, n. Etym: [F. épiphanie, L. epiphania, Gr. Fancy.]
1. An appearance, or a becoming manifest. Whom but just before they beheld transfigured and in a glorious epiphany upon the mount. Jer. Taylor. An epic poet, if ever such a difficult birth should make its epiphany in Paris. De Quincey.
2. (Eccl.)
Defn: A church festival celebrated on the 6th of January, the twelfth day after Christmas, in commemoration of the visit of the Magi of the East to Bethlehem, to see and worship the child Jesus; or, as others maintain, to commemorate the appearance of the star to the Magi, symbolizing the manifestation of Christ to the Gentles; Twelfthtide.
EPIPHARYNGEALEp`i*phar`yn*ge"al, a. Etym: [Pref. epi- + pharyngeal.] (Anat.)
Defn: Pertaining to the segments above the epibranchial in the branchial arches of fishes. — n.
Defn: An epipharyngeal bone or cartilage.
EPIPHARYNXEp`i*phar"ynx, n. Etym: [Epi- + pharynx.] (Zoöl.)
Defn: A structure which overlaps the mouth of certain insects.
EPIPHONEMAEp`i*pho*ne"ma, n. Etym: [L., fr. Gr. (Rhet.)
Defn: An exclamatory sentence, or striking reflection, which sums up or concludes a discourse.
EPIPHONEMEE*piph"o*neme, n.
Defn: Epiphonema. [R.]
EPIPHORAE*piph"o*ra, n. Etym: [L., fr. Gr.
1. (Med.)
Defn: The watery eye; a disease in which the tears accumulate in the eye, and trickle over the cheek.
2. (Rhet.)
Defn: The emphatic repetition of a word or phrase, at the end of several sentences or stanzas.
EPIPHRAGMEp"i*phragm, n. Etym: [Gr. (Zoöl.)
Defn: A membranaceous or calcareous septum with which some mollusks close the aperture of the shell during the time of hibernation, or æstivation.
EPIPHYLLOSPERMOUSEp`i*phyl`lo*sper"mous, a. Etym: [Gr. (Bot.)
Defn: Bearing fruit on the back of the leaves, as ferns. Harris (1710).
EPIPHYLLOUSEp`i*phyl*lous, a. Etym: [Gr. (Bot.)
Defn: Growing upon, or inserted into, the leaf.
EPIPHYLLUMEp`i*phyl"lum, n. Etym: [NL.] (Bot.)
Defn: A genus of cactaceous plants having flattened, jointed stems, and petals united in a tube. The flowers are very showy, and several species are in cultivation.
EPIPHYSEAL; EPIPHYSIALEp`i*phys"e*al, Ep`i*phys"i*al, (Anat.)
Defn: Pertaining to, or having the nature of, an epiphysis.
EPIPHYSIS E*piph"y*sis, n.; pl. Epiphyses. Etym: [NL., fr. Gr. (Anat.) (a) The end, or other superficial part, of a bone, which ossifies separately from the central portion, or diaphysis. (b) The cerebral epiphysis, or pineal gland. See Pineal gland, under Pineal.
EPIPHYTALE*piph"y*tal, a. (Bot.)
Defn: Pertaining to an epiphyte.
EPIPHYTEEp"i*phyte, n. Etym: [Gr. épiphyte.]
1. (Bot.)
Defn: An air plant which grows on other plants, but does not derive its nourishment from them. See Air plant.
2. (Med.)
Defn: A vegetable parasite growing on the surface of the body.
EPIPHYTIC; EPIPHYTICALEp`i*phyt"ic, Ep`i*phyt"ic*al, a. (Bot.)
Defn: Pertaining to, or having the nature of, an epiphyte.— Ep`i*phyt"ic*al*ly, adv.
EPIPLASTRONEp`i*plas"tron, n.; pl. Epiplastra. Etym: [Pref. epi- + plastron.](Anat.)
Defn: One of the first pair of lateral plates in the plastron of turtles.
EPIPLEURALEp`i*pleu"ral, a. Etym: [Pref. epi- + pleural.] (Anat.)
Defn: Arising from the pleurapophysis of a vertebra. Owen.
EPIPLEXISEp`i*plex"is, n. Etym: [L., reproof, fr. Gr. (Rhet.)
Defn: A figure by which a person seeks to convince and move by an elegant kind of upbraiding.
EPIPLOCEE*pip"lo*ce, n. Etym: [L., connection, from Gr. (Rhet.)
Defn: A figure by which one striking circumstance is added, in due gradation, to another; climax; e. g., "He not only spared his enemies, but continued them in employment; not only continued, but advanced them." Johnson.
EPIPLOICEp`i*plo"ic, a.
Defn: Relating to the epiploön.
EPIPLOON; EPIPLOOENE*pip"lo*ön, n.; pl. Epiploa. Etym: [NL., fr. Gr. (Anat.)
Defn: See Omentum.
EPIPODIALEp`i*po"di*al, a.
1. (Anat.)
Defn: Pertaining to the epipodialia or the parts of the limbs to which they belong.
2. (Zoöl.)
Defn: Pertaining to the epipodium of Mollusca.
EPIPODIALEEp`i*po`di*a"le, n.; pl. Epipodialia. Etym: [NL., fr. Gr. (Anat.)
Defn: One of the bones of either the forearm or shank, the epipodialia being the radius, ulna, tibia, and fibula.
EPIPODITEE*pip"o*dite, n. Etym: [See Epipodium.] (Zoöl.)
Defn: The outer branch of the legs in certain Crustacea. SeeMaxilliped.
EPIPODIUMEp`i*po"di*um, n.; pl. Epipodia. Etym: [NL., fr. Gr. (Zoöl.)
Defn: One of the lateral lobes of the foot in certain gastropods.
EPIPOLICEp`i*pol"ic, a. (Opt.)
Defn: Producing, or relating to, epipolism or fluorescence. [R.]
EPIPOLISME*pip"o*lism, n. Etym: [Gr. (Opt.)
Defn: See Fluorescence. [R.] Sir J. Herschel.
EPIPOLIZEDE*pip"o*lized, a.
Defn: Changed to the epipolic condition, or that in which the phenomenon of fluorescence is presented; produced by fluorescence; as, epipolized light. [R.] Stokes.
EPIPTERICEp`ip*ter"ic, a. Etym: [Pref. epi- + Gr. (Anat.)
Defn: Pertaining to a small Wormian bone sometimes present in the human skull between the parietal and the great wing of the sphenoid. — n.
Defn: The epipteric bone.
EPIPTERYGOIDEp`ip*ter"y*goid, a. Etym: [Pref. epi- + pterygoid.] (Anat.)
Defn: Situated upon or above the pterygoid bone.— n.
Defn: An epipterygoid bone or cartilage; the columella in the skulls of many lizards.
EPIPUBICEp`i*pu"bic, a.
Defn: Relating to the epipubis.
EPIPUBISEp`i*pu"bis, n.; pl. Epipubes. Etym: [NL., epi- + pubis.] (Anat.)
Defn: A cartilage or bone in front of the pubis in some amphibians and other animals.
EPISCOPACYE*pis"co*pa*cy, n. Etym: [See Episcopate.]
Defn: Government of the church by bishops; church government by three distinct orders of ministers — bishops, priests, and deacons — of whom the bishops have an authority superior and of a different kind.
EPISCOPAL E*pis"co*pal, a. Etym: [L. episcopalis, fr. episcopus: cf. F. épiscopal. See Bishop.]
1. Governed by bishops; as, an episcopal church.
2. Belonging to, or vested in, bishops; as, episcopal jurisdiction or authority; the episcopal system.
EPISCOPALIANE*pis`co*pa"li*an, a.
Defn: Pertaining to bishops, or government by bishops; episcopal; specifically, of or relating to the Protestant Episcopal Church.
EPISCOPALIANE*pis`co*pa"li*an, n.
Defn: One who belongs to an episcopal church, or adheres to the episcopal form of church government and discipline; a churchman; specifically, in the United States, a member of the Protestant Episcopal Church.
EPISCOPALIANISME*pis`co*pa"li*an*ism, n.
Defn: The doctrine and usages of Episcopalians; episcopacy.
EPISCOPALLYE*pis"co*pal*ly, adv.
Defn: By episcopal authority; in an episcopal manner.
EPISCOPANTE*pis"co*pant, n.
Defn: A bishop. [Obs.] Milton.
EPISCOPARIANE*pis`co*pa"ri*an, a.
Defn: Episcopal. [R.] Wood.
EPISCOPATE E*pis"co*pate, n. Etym: [L. episcopatus, fr. episcopus: cf. F. épiscopat. See Bishop.]
1. A bishopric; the office and dignity of a bishop.
2. The collective body of bishops.
3. The time of a bishop's rule.
EPISCOPATEE*pis"co*pate, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Episcopated; p. pr. & vb. n.Episcopating.]
Defn: To act as a bishop; to fill the office of a prelate. [Obs.]Feeding the flock episcopating. Milton.
EPISCOPICIDEE*pis"co*pi*cide, n. Etym: [L. episcopus bishop + caedere to kill.]
Defn: The killing of a bishop.
EPISCOPIZEE*pis"co*pize, v. t.
Defn: To make a bishop of by consecration. Southey.
EPISCOPIZEE*pis"co*pize, v. i.
Defn: To perform the duties of a bishop.
EPISCOPYE*pis"co*py, n. Etym: [Gr. Bishop.]
1. Survey; superintendence. [Obs.] Milton.
2. Episcopacy. [Obs.] Jer. Taylor.
EPISEPALOUSEp`i*sep"al*ous, a. Etym: [Pref. epi- + sepal.] (Bot.)
Defn: Growing on the sepals or adnate to them.
EPISKELETALEp`i*skel"e*tal, a. Etym: [Pref. epi- + skeleletal.] (Anat.)
Defn: Above or outside of the endoskeleton; epaxial.
EPISODALEp`i*so"dal, a.
Defn: Same as Episodic.
EPISODEEp"i*sode, n. Etym: [Gr. sad to go: cf. F. épisode.] (Rhet.)
Defn: A separate incident, story, or action, introduced for the purpose of giving a greater variety to the events related; an incidental narrative, or digression, separable from the main subject, but naturally arising from it.
EPISODIALEp`i*so"di*al, a.
Defn: Pertaining to an episode; by way of episode; episodic.
EPISODIC; EPISODICALEp`i*so"dic, Ep`i*so"dic*al, a. Etym: [Cf. F. épisodique. SeeEpisode.]
Defn: Of or pertaining to an episode; adventitious.— Ep`i*so"dic*al*ly, adv.Such a figure as Jacob Brattle, purely episodical though it be, is anexcellent English portrait. H. James.
EPISPADIASEp`i*spa"di*as, n. Etym: [NL., fr. Gr. (Med.)
Defn: A deformity in which the urethra opens upon the top of the penis, instead of at its extremity.
EPISPASTICEp"i*spas"tic, a. Etym: [Gr. épispastique.] (Med.)
Defn: Attracting the humors to the skin; exciting action in the skin; blistering.
EPISPASTICEp"i*spas"tic, n. (Med.)
Defn: An external application to the skin, which produces a puriform or serous discharge by exciting inflammation; a vesicatory.
EPISPERMEp"i*sperm, n. Etym: [Pref. epi- + Gr. épisperme.] (Bot.)
Defn: The skin or coat of a seed, especially the outer coat. SeeTesta.
EPISPERMICEp`i*sper"mic, a. (Bot.)
Defn: Pertaining, or belonging, to the episperm, or covering of a seed.
EPISPOREEp"i*spore, n. Etym: [Pref. epi- + spore.] (Bot.)
Defn: The thickish outer coat of certain spores.
EPISTAXISEp`i*stax"is, n. Etym: [NL., fr. Gr. (Med.)
Defn: Bleeding at the nose.
EPISTEMOLOGYE*pis`te*mol"o*gy, n. Etym: [Gr. -logy.]
Defn: The theory or science of the method or grounds of knowledge.
EPISTERNALEp`i*ster"nal, a. (Anat. & Zoöl.)
Defn: Of or pertaining to the episternum.
EPISTERNUMEp`i*ster"num, n.; pl. Episterna. Etym: [NL. See Epi-, and Sternum.]
1. (Anat.) (a) A median bone connected with the sternum, in many vertebrates; the interclavicle. (b) Same as Epiplastron.
2. (Zoöl.)
Defn: One of the lateral pieces next to the sternum in the thorax of insects.
EPISTILBITEEp`i*stil"bite, n. Etym: [Pref. epi- + stilbite.] (Min.)
Defn: A crystallized, transparent mineral of the Zeolite family. It is a hydrous silicate of alumina and lime.
EPISTLE E*pis"tle, n. Etym: [OE. epistle, epistel, AS. epistol, pistol, L. epistola, fr. Gr. epistle, epistre, F. épître. See Stall.]
1. A writing directed or sent to a person or persons; a written communication; a letter; — applied usually to formal, didactic, or elegant letters. A madman's epistles are no gospels. Shak.
2. (Eccl.)
Defn: One of the letters in the New Testament which were addressed to their Christian brethren by Apostles. Epistle side, the right side of an altar or church to a person looking from the nave toward the chancel. One sees the pulpit on the epistle side. R. Browning.
EPISTLEE*pis"tle, v. t.
Defn: To write; to communicate in a letter or by writing. [Obs.]Milton.
EPISTLERE*pis"tler, n.
1. A writer of epistles, or of an epistle of the New Testament. M. Arnold.
2. (Eccl.)
Defn: The ecclesiastic who reads the epistle at the communion service.
EPISTOLARE*pis"to*lar, a.
Defn: Epistolary. Dr. H. More.
EPISTOLARY E*pis"to*la*ry, a. Etym: [L. epistolaris, fr. epistola: cf. F. épistolaire.]
1. Pertaining to epistles or letters; suitable to letters and correspondence; as, an epistolary style.
2. Contained in letters; carried on by letters. "Epistolary correspondence." Addison.
EPISTOLEANEp`is*to"le*an, n.
Defn: One who writes epistles; a correspondent. Mary Cowden Clarke.
EPISTOLERE*pis"to*ler, n. (Eccl.)
Defn: One of the clergy who reads the epistle at the communion service; an epistler.
EPISTOLETE*pis"to*let, n.
Defn: A little epistle. Lamb.
EPISTOLIC; EPISTOLICALEp`is*tol"ic, Ep`is*tol"ic*al, a. Etym: [L. epistolicus, Gr.
Defn: Pertaining to letters or epistles; in the form or style of letters; epistolary.
EPISTOLIZEE*pis"to*lize, v. i.
Defn: To write epistles.
EPISTOLIZERE*pis"to*li`zer, n.
Defn: A writer of epistles.
EPISTOLOGRAPHICE*pis`to*lo*graph"ic, a. Etym: [Gr. épistolographique.]
Defn: Pertaining to the writing of letters; used in writing letters; epistolary. Epistolographic character or mode of writing, the same as Demotic character. See under Demotic.
EPISTOLOGRAPHYE*pis`to*log"ra*phy, n. Etym: [Gr. -graphy: cf. F. épistolographie.]
Defn: The art or practice of writing epistles.
EPISTOMA; EPISTOME E*pis"to*ma, Ep"i*stome, n. Etym: [NL. epistoma, fr. Gr. (Zoöl.) (a) The region between the antennæ and the mouth, in Crustacea. (b) A liplike organ that covers the mouth, in most Bryozoa. See Illust., under Entoprocta.
EPISTROPHEE*pis"tro*phe, n. Etym: [L., from Gr. (Rhet.)
Defn: A figure in which successive clauses end with the same word or affirmation; e. g., "Are they Hebrews so am I. Are they Israelites so am I." 2 Cor. xi. 22.
EPISTYLEEp"i*style, n. Etym: [L. epistylium, Gr. épistyle.] (Anc. Arch.)
Defn: A massive piece of stone or wood laid immediately on the abacus of the capital of a column or pillar; — now called architrave.
EPISYLLOGISMEp`i*syl"lo*gism, n. Etym: [Pref. epi- + syllogism.] (Logic)
Defn: A syllogism which assumes as one of its premises a proposition which was the conclusion of a preceding syllogism, called, in relation to this, the prosyllogism.
EPITAPH Ep"i*taph, n. Etym: [F. épitaphe, L. epitaphium a funeral oration, fr. Gr. Cenotaph.]
1. An inscription on, or at, a tomb, or a grave, in memory or commendation of the one buried there; a sepulchral inscription. Hang her an epitaph upon her tomb. Shak.
2. A brief writing formed as if to be inscribed on a monument, as that concerning Alexander: "Sufficit huic tumulus, cui non sufficeret orbis."
EPITAPHEp"i*taph, v. t.
Defn: To commemorate by an epitaph. [R.]Let me be epitaphed the inventor of English hexameters. G. Harvey.
EPITAPHEp"i*taph, v. i.
Defn: To write or speak after the manner of an epitaph. [R.] The common in their speeches epitaph upon him . . . "He lived as a wolf and died as a dog." Bp. Hall.
EPITAPHEREp"i*taph`er, n.
Defn: A writer of epitaphs. Nash.
EPITAPHIAL; EPITAPHIANEp`i*taph"i*al, Ep`i*taph"i*an, a.
Defn: Relating to, or of the nature of, an epitaph.The noble Pericles in his epitaphian speech. Milton.Epitaphial Latin verses are not to be taken too literally. Lowell.
EPITAPHICEp`i*taph"ic, a.
Defn: Pertaining to an epitaph; epitaphian.— n.
Defn: An epitaph. Udall.
EPITAPHISTEp"i*taph`ist, n.
Defn: An epitapher.
EPITASISE*pit"a*sis, n. Etym: [NL., fr. Gr.
1. That part which embraces the main action of a play, poem, and the like, and leads on to the catastrophe; — opposed to protasis.
2. (Med.)
Defn: The period of violence in a fever or disease; paroxysm.Dunglison.
EPITHALAMICEp`i*tha*lam"ic, a.
Defn: Belonging to, or designed for, an epithalamium.
EPITHALAMIUM Ep`i*tha*la"mi*um, n.; pl. Epithalamiums, L. Epithalamia. Etym: [L., fr. Gr.
Defn: A nuptial song, or poem in honor of the bride and bridegroom. The kind of poem which was called epithalamium . . . sung when the bride was led into her chamber. B. Jonson.
EPITHALAMYEp`i*thal"a*my, n.; pl. Epithalamies (.
Defn: Epithalamium. [R.] Donne.
EPITHECAEp`i*the"ca, n. Etym: [NL., fr. Gr. (Zoöl.)
Defn: A continuous and, usually, structureless layer which covers more or less of the exterior of many corals.
EPITHELIALEp`i*the"li*al, a.
Defn: Of or pertaining to epithelium; as, epithelial cells; epithelial cancer.
EPITHELIOIDEp`i*the"li*oid, a. Etym: [Epithelium + -oid.] (Anat.)
Defn: Like epithelium; as, epithelioid cells.
EPITHELIOMAEp`i*the`li*o"ma, n. Etym: [NL. See Epithelium, and -oma.] (Med.)
Defn: A malignant growth containing epithelial cells; — called also epithelial cancer.
EPITHELIUMEp`i*the"li*um, n.; pl. E. Epitheliums, L. Epithelia. Etym: [NL., fr.Gr. (Anat.)
Defn: The superficial layer of cells lining the alimentary canal and all its appendages, all glands and their ducts, blood vessels and lymphatics, serous cavities, etc. It often includes the epidermis (i. e., keratin-producing epithelial cells), and it is sometimes restricted to the alimentary canal, the glands and their appendages, — the term endothelium being applied to the lining membrane of the blood vessels, lymphatics, and serous cavities.
EPITHELOIDEp`i*the"loid, a. (Anat.)
Defn: Epithelioid.
EPITHEMEp"i*them, n. Etym: [L. epithema, Gr. épithème. See Epithet.] (Med.)
Defn: Any external topical application to the body, except ointments and plasters, as a poultice, lotion, etc.
EPITHEMAEp`i*the"ma, n. Etym: [NL., from Gr. (Zoöl.)
Defn: A horny excrescence upon the beak of birds.
EPITHESISE*pith"e*sis, n. Etym: [NL., fr. Gr.
Defn: The addition of a letter at the end of a word, without changing its sense; as, numb for num, whilst for whiles.
EPITHETEp"i*thet, n. Etym: [L. epitheton, Gr. épithète. See Do.]
1. An adjective expressing some quality, attribute, or relation, that is properly or specially appropriate to a person or thing; as, a just man; a verdant lawn. A prince [Henry III.] to whom the epithet "worthless" seems best applicable. Hallam.
2. Term; expression; phrase. "Stiffed with epithets of war." Shak.
Syn. — Epithet, Title. The name epithet was formerly extended to nouns which give a title or describe character (as the "epithet of liar"), but is now confined wholly to adjectives. Some rhetoricians, as Whately, restrict it still further, considering the term epithet as belonging only to a limited class of adjectives, viz., those which add nothing to the sense of their noun, but simply hold forth some quality necessarily implied therein; as, the bright sun, the lofty heavens, etc. But this restriction does not prevail in general literature. Epithet is sometimes confounded with application, which is always a noun or its equivalent.
EPITHETEp"i*thet, v. t.
Defn: To describe by an epithet. [R.]Never was a town better epitheted. Sir H. Wotton.
EPITHETIC; EPITHETICALEp`i*thet"ic, Ep`i*thet"ic*al, a. Etym: [Gr.
Defn: Pertaining to, or abounding with, epithets. "In epithetic measured prose." Lloyd.
EPITHITEEp"i*thite, n. Etym: [Gr.
Defn: A lazy, worthless fellow; a vagrant. [Obs.] Mason.
EPITHUMETICEp`i*thu*met"ic, a.
Defn: Epithumetical. [Obs.]
EPITHUMETICALEp`i*thu*met"ic*al, a. Etym: [Gr.
Defn: Pertaining to sexual desire; sensual. Sir T. Browne.
EPITITHIDESEp`i*tith"i*des, n. Etym: [NL., fr. Gr. Epithet.] (Arch.)
Defn: The uppermost member of the cornice of an entablature.
EPITOMATORE*pit"o*ma`tor, n. Etym: [LL.]
Defn: An epitomist. Sir W. Hamilton.
EPITOMEE*pit"o*me, n.; pl. Epitomes. Etym: [L., fr. Gr. épitome. See Tome.]
1. A work in which the contents of a former work are reduced within a smaller space by curtailment and condensation; a brief summary; an abridgement. [An] epitome of the contents of a very large book. Sydney Smith.
2. A compact or condensed representation of anything. An epitome of English fashionable life. Carlyle. A man so various that he seemed to be Not one, but all mankind's epitome. Dryden.
Syn. — Abridgement; compendium; compend; abstract; synopsis; abbreviature. See Abridgment.
EPITOMISTE*pit"o*mist, n.
Defn: One who makes an epitome; one who abridges; an epitomizer.Milton.
EPITOMIZEE*pit"o*mize, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Epitomized; p. pr. & vb. n.Epitomizing.]
1. To make an epitome of; to shorten or abridge, as a writing or discourse; to reduce within a smaller space; as, to epitomize the works of Justin.
2. To diminish, as by cutting off something; to curtail; as, to epitomize words. [Obs.] Addison.
EPITOMIZERE*pit"o*mi`zer, n.
Defn: An epitomist. Burton.
EPITRITE Ep"i*trite, n. Etym: [Gr. i. e., , or in the ratio of 4 to 3); epitritos, F. épitrite.] (Gr. & Lat. Pros.)
Defn: A foot consisting of three long syllables and one short syllable.
Note: It is so called from being compounded of a spondee (which contains 4 times) with an iambus or a trochee (which contains 3 times). It is called 1st, 2d, 3d, or 4th epitrite according as the short syllable stands 1st, 2d, etc.
EPITROCHLEAEp`i*troch"le*a, n. Etym: [NL. See Epi-, and Trochlea.] (Anat.)
Defn: A projection on the outer side of the distal end of the humerus; the external condyle.
EPITROCHLEAREp`i*troch"le*ar, a.
Defn: Relating to the epitrochlea.
EPITROCHOIDEp`i*tro"choid, n. Etym: [Pref. epi- + Gr. -oid.] (Geom.)
Defn: A kind of curve. See Epicycloid, any Trochoid.
EPITROPEE*pit"ro*pe, n. Etym: [L., fr. Gr. (Rhet.)
Defn: A figure by which permission is either seriously or ironically granted to some one, to do what he proposes to do; e. g., "He that is unjust, let him be unjust still."
EPIZEUXISEp`i*zeux"is, n. Etym: [L., fr. Gr. (Rhet.)
Defn: A figure by which a word is repeated with vehemence or emphasis, as in the following lines: - Alone, alone, all all alone, Alone on a wide wide sea. Coleridge.
EPIZOANEp`i*zo"an, n. (Zoöl.)
Defn: An epizoön.
EPIZOANEp`i*zo"an, n. (Zoöl.)
Defn: An epizoön.
EPIZOICEp`i*zo"ic, a. (Zoöl.)
Defn: Living upon the exterior of another animal; ectozoic; — said of external parasites.
EPIZOICEp`i*zo"ic, a. (Zoöl.)
Defn: Living upon the exterior of another animal; ectozoic; — said of external parasites.
EPIZOON; EPIZOOENEp`i*zo"ön, n.; pl. Epizoa. Etym: [NL., fr. Gr. (Zoöl.)
Defn: One of the artificial group of invertebrates of various kinds, which live parasitically upon the exterior of other animals; an ectozoön. Among them are the lice, ticks, many acari, the lerneans, or fish lice, and other crustaceans.
EPIZOOTIC; EPIZOOETICEp`i*zo*öt"ic, a. Etym: [Cf. F. épizoötique.]
1. (Zoöl.)
Defn: Of or pertaining to an epizoön.
2. (Geol.)
Defn: Containing fossil remains; — said of rocks, formations, mountains, and the like. [Obs.] Epizoötic mountains are of secondary formation. Kirwan.
3. Of the nature of a disease which attacks many animals at the same time; — corresponding to epidemic diseases among men.
EPIZOOTY; EPIZOOETY; EPIZOOTIC; EPIZOOETICEp`i*zo"ö*ty, Ep`i*zo*öt"ic, n. Etym: [F. épizoötie.]
Defn: An epizoötic disease; a murrain; an epidemic influenza among horses.
EPOCH Ep"och, n. Etym: [LL. epocha, Gr. sah to overpower, Goth. sigis victory, AS. sigor, sige, G. sieg: cf. F. époque. See Scheme.]
1. A fixed point of time, established in history by the occurrence of some grand or remarkable event; a point of time marked by an event of great subsequent influence; as, the epoch of the creation; the birth of Christ was the epoch which gave rise to the Christian era. In divers ages, . . . divers epochs of time were used. Usher. Great epochs and crises in the kingdom of God. Trench. The acquittal of the bishops was not the only event which makes the 30th of June, 1688, a great epoch in history. Macaulay.
Note: Epochs mark the beginning of new historical periods, and dates are often numbered from them.
2. A period of time, longer or shorter, remarkable for events of great subsequent influence; a memorable period; as, the epoch of maritime discovery, or of the Reformation. "So vast an epoch of time." F. Harrison. The influence of Chaucer continued to live even during the dreary interval which separates from one another two important epochs of our literary history. A. W. Ward.
3. (Geol.)
Defn: A division of time characterized by the prevalence of similarconditions of the earth; commonly a minor division or part of aperiod.The long geological epoch which stored up the vast coal measures. J.C. Shairp.
4. (Astron.) (a) The date at which a planet or comet has a longitude or position. (b) An arbitrary fixed date, for which the elements used in computing the place of a planet, or other heavenly body, at any other date, are given; as, the epoch of Mars; lunar elements for the epoch March 1st, 1860.
Syn. — Era; time; date; period; age. — Epoch, Era. We speak of the era of the Reformation, when we think of it as a period, during which a new order of things prevailed; so also, the era of good feeling, etc. Had we been thinking of the time as marked by certain great events, or as a period in which great results were effected, we should have called the times when these events happened epochs, and the whole period an epoch. The capture of Constantinople is an epoch in the history of Mahometanism; but the flight of Mahomet is its era. C. J. Smith.
EPOCHAEp"o*cha, n. Etym: [L.]
Defn: See Epoch. J. Adams.
EPOCHALEp"o*chal, a.
Defn: Belonging to an epoch; of the nature of an epoch. "Epochal points." Shedd.
EPODE Ep"ode, n. Etym: [L. epodos, Gr. épode. See Ode.] (Poet.) (a) The after song; the part of a lyric ode which follows the strophe and antistrophe, — the ancient ode being divided into strophe, antistrophe, and epode. (b) A species of lyric poem, invented by Archilochus, in which a longer verse is followed by a shorter one; as, the Epodes of Horace. It does not include the elegiac distich.
EPODICE*pod"ic, a. Etym: [Gr.
Defn: Pertaining to, or resembling, an epode.
EPONYM; EPONYMEEp"o*nym, Ep"o*nyme, n. Etym: [Cf. F. éponyme. See Eponymous.]
1. The hypothetical individual who is assumed as the person from whom any race, city, etc., took its name; as, Hellen is an eponym of the Hellenes.
2. A name, as of a people, country, and the like, derived from that of an individual.
EPONYMICEp`o*nym"ic, a.
Defn: Same as Eponymous.Tablets . . . which bear eponymic dates. I. Taylor (The Alphabet).
EPONYMISTE*pon"y*mist, n.
Defn: One from whom a race, tribe, city, or the like, took its name; an eponym.
EPONYMOUSE*pon"y*mous, a. Etym: [Gr.
Defn: Relating to an eponym; giving one's name to a tribe, people, country, and the like. What becomes . . . of the Herakleid genealogy of the Spartan kings, when it is admitted that eponymous persons are to be canceled as fictions Grote.
EPONYMYE*pon"y*my, n. Etym: [Gr.
Defn: The derivation of the name of a race, tribe, etc., from that of a fabulous hero, progenitor, etc.
EPOOPHORON; EPOOEPHORONEp`o*öph"o*ron, n. Etym: [NL., from Gr. (Anat.)
Defn: See Parovarium.
EPOPEE; EPOPOEIAEp"o*pee`, Ep`o*poe"ia, n. Etym: [F. épopée, Gr. Epos.]
Defn: An epic poem; epic poetry.
EPOPTEp"opt, n. Etym: [Gr.
Defn: One instructed in the mysteries of a secret system. Carlyle.
EPOSEp"os, n. Etym: [L., fr. Gr.
Defn: An epic.
EPOTATION Ep`o*ta"tion, n. Etym: [L. epotare, epotatum, to drink; e out + potare to drink.]
Defn: A drinking up; a quaffing. [Obs.] Feltham.
EPROUVETTE e`prou`vette", n. Etym: [F.] (Gun.)
Defn: An apparatus for testing or proving the strength of gunpowder.
EPSOMITEEp"som*ite, n.
Defn: Native sulphate of magnesia or Epsom salt.
EPSOM SALTS; EPSOM SALTEp"som salts` or Ep"som salt`. (Med.)
Defn: Sulphate of magnesia having cathartic qualities; — originally prepared by boiling down the mineral waters at Epsom, England, — whence the name; afterwards prepared from sea water; but now from certain minerals, as from siliceous hydrate of magnesia.
EPULARY Ep"u*la*ry, a. Etym: [L. epularis, fr. epulum a feast: cf. F. épulaire.]
Defn: Of or pertaining to a feast or banquet. [Obs.] Smart.
EPULATIONEp`u*la"tion, n. Etym: [L. epulatio.]
Defn: A feasting or feast; banquet. [Obs.] Sir T. Browne.
EPULISE*pu"lis, n. Etym: [NL., fr. Gr. (Med.)
Defn: A hard tumor developed from the gums.
EPULOSEEp"u*lose`, a. Etym: [L. epulum a feast.]
Defn: Feasting to excess. [Obs.]
EPULOSITYEp`u*los"i*ty, n.
Defn: A feasting to excess. [Obs.]
EPULOTICEp`u*lot"ic, a. Etym: [Gr.
Defn: Promoting the skinning over or healing of sores; as, an epulotic ointment. — n.
Defn: An epulotic agent.
EPURATION Ep`u*ra"tion, n. Etym: [L. e out, quite + purare to purify, purus pure.]
Defn: Purification.
EPURE e`pure", n. Etym: [F.] (Fine Arts)
Defn: A draught or model from which to build; especially, one of the full size of the work to be done; a detailed drawing.
EPWORTH LEAGUEEp"worth League.
Defn: A religious organization of Methodist young people, founded in 1889 at Cleveland, Ohio, and taking its name from John Wesley's birthplace, Epworth, Lincolnshire, England.
EQUABILITYE`qua*bil"i*ty, n. Etym: [L. aequabilitas, fr. aequabilis. SeeEquable.]
Defn: The quality or condition of being equable; evenness or uniformity; as, equability of temperature; the equability of the mind. For the celestial bodies, the equability and constancy of their motions argue them ordained by wisdom. Ray.
EQUABLE E"qua*ble, a. Etym: [L. aequabilis, fr. aequare to make level or equal, fr. aequus even, equal. See Equal.]
1. Equal and uniform; continuing the same at different times; — said of motion, and the like; uniform in surface; smooth; as, an equable plain or globe.
2. Uniform in action or intensity; not variable or changing; — said of the feelings or temper.
EQUABLENESSE"qua*ble*ness, n.
Defn: Quality or state of being equable.
EQUABLYE"qua*bly, adv.
Defn: In an equable manner.
EQUAL E"qual, a. Etym: [L. aequalis, fr. aequus even, equal; akin to Skr. , and perh. to L. unus for older oinos one, E. one.]
1. Agreeing in quantity, size, quality, degree, value, etc.; having the same magnitude, the same value, the same degree, etc.; — applied to number, degree, quantity, and intensity, and to any subject which admits of them; neither inferior nor superior, greater nor less, better nor worse; corresponding; alike; as, equal quantities of land, water, etc. ; houses of equal size; persons of equal stature or talents; commodities of equal value.
2. Bearing a suitable relation; of just proportion; having competentpower, abilities, or means; adequate; as, he is not equal to thetask.The Scots trusted not their own numbers as equal to fight with theEnglish. Clarendon.It is not permitted to me to make my commendations equal to yourmerit. Dryden.Whose voice an equal messenger Conveyed thy meaning mild. Emerson.
3. Not variable; equable; uniform; even; as, an equal movement. "An equal temper." Dryden.
4. Evenly balanced; not unduly inclining to either side; characterized by fairness; unbiased; impartial; equitable; just. Are not my ways equal Ezek. xviii. 29. Thee, O Jove, no equal judge I deem. Spenser. Nor think it equal to answer deliberate reason with sudden heat and noise. Milton.
5. Of the same interest or concern; indifferent. They who are not disposed to receive them may let them alone or reject them; it is equal to me. Cheyne.
6. (Mus.)
Defn: Intended for voices of one kind only, either all male or all female; — opposed to mixed. [R.]
7. (Math.)
Defn: Exactly agreeing with respect to quantity. Equal temperament.(Mus.) See Temperament.
Syn. — Even; equable; uniform; adequate; proportionate; commensurate; fair; just; equitable.
EQUALE"qual, n.
1. One not inferior or superior to another; one having the same or a similar age, rank, station, office, talents, strength, or other quality or condition; an equal quantity or number; as, "If equals be taken from equals the remainders are equal." Those who were once his equals envy and defame him. Addison.
2. State of being equal; equality. [Obs.] Spenser.
EQUALE"qual, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Equaled or Equalled; p. pr. & vb. n.Equaling or Equalling.]
1. To be or become equal to; to have the same quantity, the same value, the same degree or rank, or the like, with; to be commen On me whose all not equals Edward's moiety. Shak.
2. To make equal return to; to recompense fully. Who answered all her cares, and equaled all her love. Dryden.
3. To make equal or equal to; to equalize; hence, to compare or regard as equals; to put on equality. He would not equal the mind that he found in himself to the infinite and incomprehensible. Berkeley.
EQUALITARIANE*qual`i*ta"ri*an, n.
Defn: One who believes in equalizing the condition of men; a leveler.
EQUALITY E*qual"i*ty, n.; pl. Equalities. Etym: [L. aequalitas, fr. aequalis equal. See Equal.]
1. The condition or quality of being equal; agreement in quantity or degree as compared; likeness in bulk, value, rank, properties, etc.; as, the equality of two bodies in length or thickness; an equality of rights. A footing of equality with nobles. Macaulay.
2. Sameness in state or continued course; evenness; uniformity; as, an equality of temper or constitution.
3. Evenness; uniformity; as, an equality of surface.
4. (Math.)
Defn: Exact agreement between two expressions or magnitudes with respect to quantity; — denoted by the symbol =; thus, a = x signifies that a contains the same number and kind of units of measure that x does. Confessional equality. See under Confessional.
EQUALIZATIONE`qual*i*za"tion, n.
Defn: The act of equalizing, or state of being equalized.Their equalization with the rest of their fellow subjects. Burke.
EQUALIZEE"qual*ize, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Equalized; p. pr. & vb. n.Equalizing.] Etym: [Cf. F. égaliser.]
1. To make equal; to cause to correspond, or be like, in amount or degree as compared; as, to equalize accounts, burdens, or taxes. One poor moment can suffice To equalize the lofty and the low. Wordsworth. No system of instruction will completely equalize natural powers. Whately.
2. To pronounce equal; to compare as equal. Which we equalize, and perhaps would willingly prefer to the Iliad. Orrery.
3. To be equal to; equal; to match. [Obs.] It could not equalize the hundredth part Of what her eyes have kindled in my heart. Waller. Equalizing bar (Railroad Mach.), a lever connecting two axle boxes, or two springs in a car truck or locomotive, to equalize the pressure on the axles.
EQUALIZERE"qual*i`zer, n.
Defn: One who, or that which, equalizes anything.
EQUALLYE"qual*ly, adv.
Defn: In an equal manner or degree in equal shares or proportion; with equal and impartial justice; without difference; alike; evenly; justly; as, equally taxed, furnished, etc.
EQUALNESSE"qual*ness, n.
Defn: Equality; evenness. Shak.
EQUANGULARE*quan"gu*lar, a. Etym: [See Equiangular.]
Defn: Having equal angles; equiangular. [R.] Johnson.
EQUANIMITY E`qua*nim"i*ty, n. Etym: [L. aequanimitas, fr. aequanimus: cf. F. équanimité. See Equanimous.]
Defn: Evenness of mind; that calm temper or firmness of mind which is not easily elated or depressed; patience; calmness; composure; as, to bear misfortunes with equanimity.
EQUANIMOUS E*quan"i*mous, a. Etym: [L. aequanimus, fr. aequus equal + animus mind.]
Defn: Of an even, composed frame of mind; of a steady temper; not easily elated or depressed. Bp. Gauden.
EQUANT E"quant, n. Etym: [L. aequans, -antis, p. pr. of aequare: cf. F. équant. See Equate.] (Ptolemaic Astron.)
Defn: A circle around whose circumference a planet or the center of ann epicycle was conceived to move uniformly; — called also eccentric equator.
EQUATEE*quate", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Equated; p. pr. & vb. n. Equating.]Etym: [L. aequatus, p. p. of aequare to make level or equal, fr.aequus level, equal. See Equal.]
Defn: To make equal; to reduce to an average; to make such an allowance or correction in as will reduce to a common standard of comparison; to reduce to mean time or motion; as, to equate payments; to equate lines of railroad for grades or curves; equated distances. Palgrave gives both scrolle and scrowe and equates both to F[rench] rolle. Skeat (Etymol. Dict. ). Equating for grades (Railroad Engin.), adding to the measured distance one mile for each twenty feet of ascent. — Equating for curves, adding half a mile for each 360 degrees of curvature.
EQUATION E*qua"tion, n. Etym: [L. aequatio an equalizing: cf. F. équation equation. See Equate.]
1. A making equal; equal division; equality; equilibrium. Again the golden day resumed its right, And ruled in just equation with the night. Rowe.
2. (Math.)
Defn: An expression of the condition of equality between two algebraic quantities or sets of quantities, the sign = being placed between them; as, a binomial equation; a quadratic equation; an algebraic equation; a transcendental equation; an exponential equation; a logarithmic equation; a differential equation, etc.
3. (Astron.)
Defn: A quantity to be applied in computing the mean place or other element of a celestial body; that is, any one of the several quantities to be added to, or taken from, its position as calculated on the hypothesis of a mean uniform motion, in order to find its true position as resulting from its actual and unequal motion. Absolute equation. See under Absolute. — Equation box, or Equational box, a system of differential gearing used in spinning machines for regulating the twist of the yarn. It resembles gearing used in equation clocks for showing apparent time. — Equation of the center (Astron.), the difference between the place of a planet as supposed to move uniformly in a circle, and its place as moving in an ellipse. — Equations of condition (Math.), equations formed for deducing the true values of certain quantities from others on which they depend, when different sets of the latter, as given by observation, would yield different values of the quantities sought, and the number of equations that may be found is greater than the number of unknown quantities. — Equation of a curve (Math.), an equation which expresses the relation between the coördinates of every point in the curve. — Equation of equinoxes (Astron.), the difference between the mean and apparent places of the equinox. — Equation of payments (Arith.), the process of finding the mean time of payment of several sums due at different times. — Equation of time (Astron.), the difference between mean and apparent time, or between the time of day indicated by the sun, and that by a perfect clock going uniformly all the year round. — Equation clock or watch, a timepiece made to exhibit the differences between mean solar and apparent solar time. Knight. — Normal equation. See under Normal. — Personal equation (Astron.), the difference between an observed result and the true qualities or peculiarities in the observer; particularly the difference, in an average of a large number of observation, between the instant when an observer notes a phenomenon, as the transit of a star, and the assumed instant of its actual occurrence; or, relatively, the difference between these instants as noted by two observers. It is usually only a fraction of a second; — sometimes applied loosely to differences of judgment or method occasioned by temperamental qualities of individuals. — Theory of equations (Math.), the branch of algebra that treats of the properties of a single algebraic equation of any degree containing one unknown quantity.
EQUATOR E*qua"tor, n. Etym: [L. aequator one who equalizes: cf. F. équateur equator. See Equate.]