epi-, ep-

A description of the responses of plants on the surface of the earth toward the pull of gravity: In her botany class, Judy learned about the epigeotropic force that gravity has on plants on top of the soil.

Plant growth or plant movement on the surface of the earth in response to gravity: Epigeotropism deals with the development of vegetation across the surface of the soil.

Excision of the epiglottis (the lidlike cartilaginous structure overhanging the entrance to the larynx and serving to prevent food from entering the larynx and trachea while swallowing).

The surgical removal of the epiglottis (the lidlike cartilaginous structure overhanging the entrance to the larynx and serving to prevent food from entering the larynx and trachea while swallowing).

1. A lid-like piece of cartilage that folds over the windpipe during swallowing to prevent food going into the lungs.
2. A flap of cartilage situated at the base of the tongue that covers the opening to the air passages when swallowing, preventing food or liquids from entering the windpipe or trachea.
3. The thin elastic cartilaginous structure located at the root of the tongue that folds over the glottis to prevent food and liquid from entering the trachea during the act of swallowing.

1. A concise, witty, and often paradoxical remark that is written or spoken by someone: An excellent epigram originating from Oscar Wilde is: “I can resist everything but temptation.”
2. A short poem, often expressing a single idea, that is usually satirical and has a witty ending or an ingenious turn of thought: Another example of an epigram is a brief saying that's either true and not new or new and not true.

A good epigram to remember: "If you think education is expensive, try ignorance and see what you get."

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You may go to the Benjamin Franklin: A Genius of Many Gifts page to see several examples of epigrams.

1. Relating to, or like, an epigram; terse and ingenious in expression.
2. Containing, or favoring, the use of epigrams.

1. An inscription on a building, monument, gravestone, etc.
2. A motto or quotation at the beginning of a book, chapter, play, etc.

A specialist or writer of epigraphs or inscriptions; especially, of ancient inscriptions. An Egyptian epigrapher was a writer or composer of epigraphy.

A reference to a primary tool of archaeology when dealing with literate cultures or the study of inscriptions or epigraphs engraved into stone or other durable materials; such as, metal.

Pertaining, or referring, to epigraphs or to epigraphy (science of inscriptions).

1. A reference to a description of a carved inscription on a monument, tomb, etc.
2. A characterization of a superscription prefixed to a book or a chapter in a book.

1. The science or study of epigraphs or inscriptions; such as, those on statues or buildings.
2. Mottoes or quotations, as those at the beginning of literary compositions, setting forth themes.

1. The science concerned with the interpretation, classification, etc. of inscriptions. Often in narrower sense: the paleography of inscriptions.
2. A motto or quotation at the beginning of a book, chapter, etc.