DictionaryRoot: epi-
Greek
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.
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noun
epigram
EP-ih-gram/ˈepɪɡræm/
A short, witty saying or poem expressing a pointed idea.
Etymology
From 'write on,' an epigram was originally an inscription, especially verse on a tomb or monument. The name broadened to a short verse expressing an ingenious thought, then a concise, witty statement.
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