Greek · prefix
epi-
on, upon; over
Forms
- epi-
- ep- — Used before a vowel without an initial h sound in Greek.
- eph- — Used before a vowel that began with an h sound in Greek.
Origin
Reconstructed Proto-Indo-European *epi, ‘on; near.’
Note
Position on top can suggest addition, attachment, or an action directed at something.
Words sharing this root
bishopA senior Christian cleric who oversees churches in a district.bishopA chess piece that moves diagonally across the board.ephemeraItems intended for brief use, especially collectible printed material.epicenterThe surface point directly above the origin of an earthquake.epidemicAn outbreak of disease spreading widely through a population.epidermisThe outermost protective layer of a living organism.epiglottisA flap of cartilage that covers the windpipe during swallowing.epigramA short, witty saying or poem expressing a pointed idea.epilepsyA neurological disorder marked by recurrent seizures.epilepticHaving or relating to epilepsy, a disorder causing recurrent seizures.epilogueA concluding section that follows the main body of a work.epinephrineA hormone also used as a medicine to stimulate the heart and open airways.epiphanyA sudden insight or realization.epiphanyA Christian feast celebrating Christ's revelation to the world.episcopalRelating to bishops or a church governed by bishops.episodeA distinct occurrence or segment in a longer sequence.epistleA formal or literary letter.epitaphA brief inscription or statement commemorating a dead person or something that has ended.epitheliumTissue that covers body surfaces and lines organs and cavities.epithetA descriptive word or phrase applied to a person or thing.epitomeA brief summary of a larger work or subject.epitomeA perfect example of a quality or type.epochA significant period in history or development.epochA fixed point in time from which other times are measured.