Bryson•s Dictionary for Writers and Editors

E.On / epithet
� 113
tion for Cypriot Struggle), Greek Cypriot underground movement.
E.On. German utility company.
epaulet. A decoration worn on the shoulder of a uniform; in French,
épaulette.
EPCOT. Environmental Prototype Community of Tomorrow, Disney
World, Florida.
épée. Thin, flexible sword used in fencing.
ephemera, pl. ephemeras/ephemerae.
epicene. Of uncertain sex.
epicurean. Person devoted to the pursuit of pleasure; when capitalized
it refers to the philosophy of Epicurus.
epidemic. Strictly speaking, only people can suffer an epidemic (the
word means “in or among people”). An outbreak of disease
among animals is epizoötic. It is also worth noting that epidemic
refers only to outbreaks. When a disease or other problem is of
long standing, it is endemic.
epiglottis.
epigram, epigraph. The first is a short, witty saying or poem. The second
is an inscription, as on a monument or statue, or an introductory
quotation at the beginning of a book or substantial
block of text.
Epiphany. January 6, or the twelfth day of Christmas on the Christian
calendar.
“Epipsychidion.” Poem by Shelley (1821).
epistemology. The theory of knowledge.
epithet, strictly speaking, describes a word or phrase that is used in
place of a name. Calling Tarzan “King of the Jungle” is to employ
an epithet. More commonly nowadays, however, epithet is used
to describe an abusive or contemptuous utterance. A few authorities
disdain this looser usage, but it is accepted now by
most dictionaries. Epithet should not be confused with epitaph,