n. 1. An extended narrative poem in elevated or dignified language, celebrating the feats of a legendary or traditional hero. 2. A literary or dramatic composition that resembles an extended narrative poem celebrating heroic feats. 3. A series of events considered appropriate to an epic: the epic of the Old West. adj. 1. Of, constituting, having to do with, or suggestive of a literary epic: an epic poem. 2. Surpassing the usual or ordinary, particularly in scope or size: "A vast musical panorama ... it requires an epic musical understanding to do it justice" (Tim Page). 3. Heroic and impressive in quality: "Here in the courtroom ... there was more of that epic atmosphere, the extra amperage of a special moment" (Scott Turow). [From Latin epicus, from Greek epikos, from epos, word, song; see wekw- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] epi·cal·ly adv. |
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