释义 |
en·dem·ic I. \(ˈ)en|demik, -mēk sometimes -dēm-\ adjective also en·dem·i·cal \-mə̇kəl, -mēk-\ Etymology: endemic from French endémique, from endémie, n., endemic (from Greek endēmia action of dwelling or staying, from endēmos, adjective, native, endemic — from en in + dēmos deme, populace — + -ia -y) + -ique -ic; endemical from French endémique + English -al — more at dem- 1. : belonging or native to a particular people or country : not introduced or naturalized < the many shades of radicalism endemic in Spain — Harper's > 2. : restricted to or native to a particular area or region : indigenous — used of kinds of organisms < the islands have a number of interesting endemic species > — compare exotic 3. : peculiar to a locality or region — used of a disease that is constantly present to a greater or less extent in a particular place; distinguished from epidemic, sporadic Synonyms: see native II. noun (-s) 1. : an endemic disease or an instance of its occurence 2. : an organism or kind of organism (as a species) that is endemic : indigene III. adjective : characteristic of or prevalent in a particular field, area, or environment < problems endemic to translation > < the self-indulgence endemic in the film industry > |