epitasis

American  

[ih-pit-uh-sis] / ɪˈpɪt ə sɪs /

noun

epitases plural

1. the part of an ancient drama, following the protasis, in which the main action is developed.

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epitasis British  

/ ɪˈpɪtəsɪs /

noun

1. (in classical drama) the part of a play in which the main action develops Compare protasis catastrophe

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Etymology

Origin of epitasis

1580–90; < Greek epítasis emphasis, increase of intensity, stretching, equivalent to epi- epi- + ta- (variant stem of teínein to stretch) + -sis -sis

Example Sentences

Here comes Macilente, and signior Brisk freshly suited; lose not yourself, for now the epitasis, or busy part of our subject, is an act.

From Every Man out of His Humour by Jonson, Ben

It doubles itself in the middle of his life, reflects itself in another, repeats itself, protasis, epitasis, catastasis, catastrophe.

From Ulysses by Joyce, James