Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
epidemia
noun
/ˌɛp.ɪˈdɛm.ɪ.ə/
Definition
A widespread occurrence of an infectious disease in a community at a particular time.
Examples
- During the flu season, the region experienced an influenza epidemia that affected thousands.
- The health organization declared a state of emergency due to the epidemia of cholera.
Meaning
The term refers to a situation where a disease spreads rapidly and affects a larger number of people than usual within a specific area or population.
Synonyms
- outbreak
- plague
- widespread disease
- contagion