endemic
en-DEM-ik
/ɛnˈdɛmɪk/
Regularly found among particular people or in a certain area.
In epidemiology, it describes a disease that is constantly present at a baseline level in a population.
The story behind the word. Coming from the Greek 'endemos', it literally means 'dwelling in a people'. It was used by Hippocrates to distinguish between diseases that were always present in a community versus those that arrived from elsewhere.
Word relationships
- prevalent: Prevalent means common, but endemic implies it is a permanent or characteristic feature of that place.
- native: Native is used for species; endemic is used for diseases or social problems.
- epidemic: An epidemic is a sudden increase, whereas endemic is a steady state.
- exotic: Originating in a distant foreign country rather than being native or endemic.
Commonly confused with
- pandemic: Endemic is 'always there in one place'; pandemic is 'everywhere right now'.
Collocations
- endemic disease
- endemic area
- become endemic
Example sentences
- "Malaria is endemic in many parts of sub-Saharan Africa, requiring constant prevention efforts." Global health.
- "Corruption was endemic in the old administration, affecting every level of government." Social commentary.
Memory hook
EN-demic is IN the people. In the people.
When not to use
Do not use for a sudden spike in cases; that is an 'outbreak' or 'epidemic'.
Fun facts
- The common cold is endemic worldwide; it never goes away, it just circulates constantly.
Related words
Explore more words
indigenous, habitat, scarce, peculiar, exclusivity, biodiverse
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