epigraph
[ ep-i-graf, -grahf ]
/ ˈɛp ɪˌgræf, -ˌgrɑf /
noun
an inscription, especially on a building, statue, or the like.
an apposite quotation at the beginning of a book, chapter, etc.
Nearby words
epigoni, epigonus, epigram, epigrammatic, epigrammatize, epigraph, epigraphic, epigraphy, epigynous, epigynum, epikeratophakia
Origin of epigraph
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for epigraph
British Dictionary definitions for epigraph
epigraph
/ (ˈɛpɪˌɡrɑːf, -ˌɡræf) /
noun
a quotation at the beginning of a book, chapter, etc, suggesting its theme
an inscription on a monument or building
Derived Formsepigraphic (ˌɛpɪˈɡræfɪk) or epigraphical, adjectiveepigraphically, adverb
Word Origin for epigraph
C17: from Greek epigraphē; see epigram
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Word Origin and History for epigraph
epigraph
1620s, "inscription on a building, statue, etc.," from Greek epigraphe "an inscription," from epigraphein "to write on," from epi "on" (see epi-) + graphein "to write" (see -graphy). Sense of "motto; short, pithy sentence at the head of a book or chapter" first recorded in English 1844.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper