From New Latin 别苍诲脓尘颈肠耻蝉, equivalent to Greek 茅苍诲脓尘(os),聽鈥渄welling in a place, native,鈥 (from en-2, 鈥渨ithin, in鈥 + deme, 鈥減eople, district鈥+ -ic, suffix forming adjectives). Compare with pandemic听补苍诲 epidemic.
EXAMPLES OF ENDEMIC
The koala is endemic to Australia, found nowhere else in the world.
The genetic trait is endemic to the local population, passed down through generations.
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Here are just a few more adjectives formed from diseases or medical conditions that gained figurative (and negative) meanings: pestiferous, cancerous, bilious, hysterical, choleric, melancholic, paranoid, frenzied, morbid, apoplectic, dyspeptic.
EXAMPLES OF SCROFULOUS
The leader’s scrofulous behavior was evident in her frequent abuses of power and disregard for ethical standards.
The play鈥檚 antagonist was portrayed as a scrofulous character, whose corrupt actions ultimately led to his downfall.