Epizootic - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
An epizootic is a sudden outbreak of a disease that rapidly spreads among animals within a specific region or population, similar to an epidemic in humans. It often requires urgent control measures.
Definition:
Relating to a disease affecting many animals simultaneously in a region.
Synonyms:
epidemic, pandemic, outbreak
Part of Speech:
adjective, noun
Antonyms:
enzootic, sporadic
Common Collocations:
epizootic disease, epizootic outbreak, epizootic event
Derivatives:
epizootically, epizootiology
Usage Tips:
Use "epizootic" to describe widespread animal diseases, not human ones; contrast with "epidemic."
Common Phrases:
epizootic wave, epizootic spread, epizootic threat
Etymology:
From Greek "epi-" (upon) + "zōon" (animal), meaning "upon animals."
Examples:
- 1. The farmers feared an epizootic would devastate their livestock.
- 2. Scientists monitor wildlife for signs of an epizootic outbreak.
- 3. The vet warned about the epizootic spreading among local deer populations.
- 4. An epizootic can disrupt ecosystems by reducing animal numbers sharply.