epi-

American  

1. a prefix occurring in loanwords from Greek, where it meant “upon,” “on,” “over,” “near,” “at,” “before,” “after” (epicedium; epidermis; epigene; epitome ); on this model, used in the formation of new compound words (epicardium; epinephrine ).

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epi- British  

prefix

1. on; upon; above; over

   epidermis

   epicentre

2. in addition to

   epiphenomenon

3. after

   epigenesis

   epilogue

4. near; close to

   epicalyx

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Etymology

Origin of epi-

< Greek, prefixal use of epí, preposition and adv.

Example Sentences

“The winners of the policy will far exceed those who might experience unemployment” says Ben Zipperer, a senior economist at EPI.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 13, 2026

For a family with children ages 4, 8, 12 and 16, EPI estimates the annual cost of child care in the D.C. area at about $37,000, even more than the estimated $31,000 in housing expenses.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 21, 2026

EPI points to NHS data from 2023, which suggests a higher percentage of girls and women aged between 17 and 19 in England had a "probable" mental health disorder, compared to boys and men.

From BBC • Aug. 22, 2025

Among the largest groups of affected workers, EPI estimates, are those in healthcare and social services.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 17, 2024

EPI: Sure he would do well enough, if he could sleep.

From Epicoene: Or, the Silent Woman by Jonson, Ben