Endemic
Adjective
Definition: Prevalent or characteristic of a particular area, region, or group.
Definition: Native or restricted to a certain place.
Synonyms: Local, Regional, Native
Antonyms: Foreign, Non-native, Global
- Malaria is endemic to certain tropical regions.
- The plant species is endemic to this region and cannot be found anywhere else.
- "Endemic" sounds similar to "in the midst" which can help remember that it refers to something specific to a place or area.
- Think of the word "end" in "endemic" as limiting or confined to a specific place.
Etymology:
From the Greek word "endēmios" meaning "native, native-born"
Historical Usage:The term "endemic" originated in the early 17th century and has been used in reference to diseases and species distribution.
Related Idioms:
Explanation:
While both words relate to diseases, "endemic" refers to diseases that are regularly found in a specific area or population, whereas "epidemic" is used to describe a sudden and widespread occurrence of a disease within a population.
Misconceptions:
Confusing "endemic" with "epidemic"
Explanation:While both words relate to diseases, "endemic" refers to diseases that are regularly found in a specific area or population, whereas "epidemic" is used to describe a sudden and widespread occurrence of a disease within a population.