Pandemia
/pænˈdɛm.i.ə/noun
A widespread outbreak of an infectious disease across a large region or globally.
Did you know?The term 'pandemic' has roots in ancient Greek, where 'pan' means 'all' and 'demos' refers to 'people', reflecting an eerie connection to collective suffering.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
πανδημία (pandēmía)
“The state of belonging to all people, often in the context of a disease affecting the masses.”
Late Latin
Latin
pandemia
“Adoption of the Greek term into Latin, retaining the meaning of affecting all people.”
14th Century
Middle English
pandemye
“An early Middle English form indicating a widespread disease.”
Modern English
English
pandemic
“The contemporary term used to describe an extensive outbreak that crosses international boundaries.”
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