epidemic

 
Pronunciation: /ɛpɪˈdɛmɪk/

noun

  • a widespread occurrence of an infectious disease in a community at a particular time: a flu epidemic
  • a sudden, widespread occurrence of an undesirable phenomenon: an epidemic of violent crime

adjective

Origin:

early 17th century (as an adjective): from French épidémique, from épidémie, via late Latin from Greek epidēmia 'prevalence of disease', from epidēmios 'prevalent', from epi 'upon' + dēmos 'the people'