epsilon

[ ep-suh-lon, -luhn or, especially British, ep-sahy-luhn ]

noun

the fifth letter of the Greek alphabet (E, ε).
the consonant sound represented by this letter.

Mathematics. an arbitrarily small quantity, used to indicate that a given quantity is small, or close to zero.

Origin of epsilon

First recorded in 1400–50; from Greek e psīlón “bare, simple e” (as opposed to diphthongal spellings which in later Greek represented the same sound)

Words Nearby epsilon

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use epsilon in a sentence

Lohse rushes Sigma Alpha epsilon, gets a bid, endures pledge term, and then submits to the dehumanizing rigors of Hell Night.
An Ivy League Frat Boy’s Shallow Repentance | Stefan Beck | November 24, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
Pledging, also known as initiation, will now be abolished by Sigma Alpha epsilon nationally across its 240 chapters.
Deadly Frat Rituals Are Banned Thanks to Technology | Joe Concha | March 10, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
The fraternities involved in the alleged drug sales were Alpha epsilon Pi, Pi Kappa Alpha and Psi Upsilon.
Columbia University Drug Bust | Joshua Robinson, Lloyd Grove | December 8, 2010 | THE DAILY BEAST
Gray broke the color barrier when he pledged Tau epsilon Phi.
A Talk with D.C.'s New Mayor | Sandra McElwaine | November 2, 2010 | THE DAILY BEAST
Kenny Luong died trying to start a Lambda Phi epsilon chapter at California State Polytechnical University in Pomona, Calif.
The New Animal Houses | Dan Haley | March 22, 2009 | THE DAILY BEAST

A few meager drops of rain, sibilantly soaking into the eager soil of epsilon-Terra.
Attrition | Jim Wannamaker
Next look at epsilon (ε), and you will find near it two seventh-magnitude companions, making a beautiful little triangle.
Astronomy with an Opera-glass | Garrett Putman Serviss
Now direct your glass to the northernmost of the two little stars near Vega, the one marked epsilon (ε) in the map.
Astronomy with an Opera-glass | Garrett Putman Serviss
Turn your glass upon the star shown in the map just above Mu (μ) and epsilon (ε).
Astronomy with an Opera-glass | Garrett Putman Serviss
The fact still remains that epsilon had better be habitable or Pan-Asia will scream we're hogging it.
Competition | James Causey

British Dictionary definitions for epsilon (1 of 2)

epsilon

/ (ˈɛpsɪˌlɒn, ɛpˈsaɪlən) /

noun

the fifth letter of the Greek alphabet (Ε, ε), a short vowel, transliterated as e

Origin of epsilon

Greek e psilon, literally: simple e

British Dictionary definitions for Epsilon (2 of 2)

Epsilon

/ (ˈɛpsɪˌlɒn, ɛpˈsaɪlən) /

noun

(foll by the genitive case of a specified constellation) the fifth brightest star in a constellation: Epsilon Aurigae

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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