Parotitis \Par`o*ti"tis\, n. [NL. See Parotid, and -itis.]

(Med.) Inflammation of the parotid glands.

Epidemic, or Infectious, parotitis, mumps.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Epidemic \Ep`i*dem"ic\, Epidemical \Ep`i*dem"ic*al\, a. [L. epidemus, Gr. ?, ?, among the people, epidemic; ? in + ? people: cf. F. ['e]pid['e]mique. Cf. Demagogue.]

1. (Med.) Common to, or affecting at the same time, a large number in a community; -- applied to a disease which, spreading widely, attacks many persons at the same time; as, an epidemic disease; an epidemic catarrh, fever, etc. See Endemic.

2. Spreading widely, or generally prevailing; affecting great numbers, as an epidemic does; as, epidemic rage; an epidemic evil.

It was the epidemical sin of the nation. --Bp. Burnet.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Epidemic \Ep`i*dem"ic\, n. [Cf. Epidemy.]

1. (Med.) An epidemic disease.

2. Anything which takes possession of the minds of people as an epidemic does of their bodies; as, an epidemic of terror.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)