epitasis

noun

epit·a·sis i-ˈpi-tə-səs

plural epitases i-ˈpi-tə-ˌsēz

: the part of a play developing the main action and leading to the catastrophe

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Greek epítasis "stretching, increase in intensity, development of the plot of a play," from epita-, variant stem of epiteínein "to stretch on or over, tighten, increase in intensity" (from epi- epi- + teínein "to stretch, extend, spread") + -sis -sis — more at tenant entry 1

First Known Use

1583, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of epitasis was in 1583

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Epitasis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/epitasis. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Copy Citation

Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Word of the Day

victuals

Listen to the pronunciation of victuals

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!