epi-
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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English Affixes From A To Z: A One-Stop List Of Suffixes, Prefixes, and Combining FormsIn English, we love to make new words by adding all sorts of bits to the front and back of existing terms. These are called affixes, and they are added to the base or stem of a word. When attached to the end of word, the affix is called a suffix. And to the beginning? A prefix.
Nearby words
ephors, ephraim, ephraimite, ephrata, ephs., epi-, epiandrosterone, epibenthos, epibiosis, epibiotic, epiblast
Origin of epi-
< Greek, prefixal use of epí, preposition and adv.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
British Dictionary definitions for epi-
epi-
eph- or before a vowel ep-
prefix
on; upon; above; overepidermis; epicentre
in addition toepiphenomenon
afterepigenesis; epilogue
near; close toepicalyx
Word Origin for epi-
from Greek, from epi (prep)
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Medicine definitions for epi-
epi-
pref.
On; upon:epineural.
Over; above:epibasal.
Around:epicystitis.
Close to; near:epimer.
Besides:epiphenomenon.
After:epigenesis.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
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