Dictionary

epithet

noun ep·i·thet \ˈe-pə-ˌthet also -thət\

: a word or phrase that describes a person or thing

: an offensive word or name that is used as a way of abusing or insulting someone

Full Definition of EPITHET

1
a :  a characterizing word or phrase accompanying or occurring in place of the name of a person or thing
b :  a disparaging or abusive word or phrase
c :  the part of a taxonomic name identifying a subordinate unit within a genus
2
obsolete :  expression
ep·i·thet·ic \ˌe-pə-ˈthe-tik\ or ep·i·thet·i·cal \-ti-kəl\ adjective
ADVERTISEMENT

Origin of EPITHET

Latin epitheton, from Greek, from neuter of epithetos added, from epitithenai to put on, add, from epi- + tithenai to put — more at do
First Known Use: 1579
Medical Dictionary

epithet

noun ep·i·thet \ˈep-ə-ˌthet also -thət\

Medical Definition of EPITHET

:  the part of a scientific name identifying the species, variety, or other subunit within a genus—see specific epithet

Browse

2 ENTRIES FOUND:
Next Word in the Dictionary: epithetizePrevious Word in the Dictionary: epithermalAll Words Near: epithet
ADVERTISEMENT
How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.
Test your vocab with our fun, fast game
Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears