pandemic
UK: pænˈdemɪk | US: pænˈdemɪk
adj. (of a disease) prevalent over a whole country or the world
n. an outbreak of a disease that occurs over a wide geographic area
pandemic = pan<all> + dem<people> + ic<adjective suffix>
- pan (from Greek pan, meaning "all")
- dem (from Greek demos, meaning "people")
- ic (adjective-forming suffix, indicating "pertaining to")
Etymology Origin:
The word pandemic traces back to Greek roots, combining pan (all) and demos (people) to describe something affecting "all people." Originally used in medical contexts (17th century), it emphasized diseases spreading across vast populations, contrasting with epidemic (localized outbreaks). The suffix -ic solidifies its adjectival form, aligning with scientific terminology.
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted global economies.
Scientists warned about the risks of a pandemic for decades.
Vaccines are crucial to controlling pandemic spread.
The 1918 influenza pandemic was one of the deadliest in history.
Travel restrictions were imposed to slow the pandemic’s progression.