epidemic
noun uk/ˌep.ɪˈdem.ɪk/ us/ˌep.əˈdem.ɪk/
(DISEASE)
[ C ]（疾病的）流行，传染
the appearance of a particular disease in a large number of people at the same time
a flu epidemic 流感的传播
Compare: pandemic noun
(PROBLEM)
[ C usually singular ]泛滥；蔓延
a particular problem that seriously affects many people at the same time
a crime/unemployment epidemic 犯罪频发／大范围失业
epidemic
adjective uk/ˌep.ɪˈdem.ɪk/ us/ˌep.əˈdem.ɪk/
流行的;盛行的;肆虐的
happening a lot and affecting many people
Poverty in this country has reached epidemic proportions . 这个国家很多人处于贫困之中。
Crime and poverty are epidemic in the city. 犯罪和贫穷如瘟疫一般在这个城市肆虐。
Compare: endemicpandemic adjective