epiphora: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2technical/academic
Quick answer
What does “epiphora” mean?
A medical condition involving excessive tearing or overflow of tears onto the face.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A medical condition involving excessive tearing or overflow of tears onto the face.
In rhetoric and writing, the deliberate repetition of a word or phrase at the end of successive clauses or sentences for emphasis (also called epistrophe).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical in both varieties; the term is equally formal and specialized.
Connotations
No significant connotative differences. In both regions, it signals expertise in a specific domain.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general discourse. Slightly more likely to be encountered in British academic humanities contexts regarding rhetoric.
Grammar
How to Use “epiphora” in a Sentence
The patient presents with epiphora.The poet employs epiphora to strengthen his argument.Epiphora can be caused by a blocked tear duct.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “epiphora” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The consultant diagnosed the epiphora as being due to a blocked nasolacrimal duct.
- The essay analysed the epiphora in Churchill's wartime speeches.
American English
- The epiphora was treated with a simple surgical procedure.
- The poet's use of epiphora created a powerful rhythmic effect.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Primary context. Used in medical journals and humanities papers on rhetoric/stylistics.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would be replaced by 'watery eye' or 'repetition'.
Technical
Standard term in ophthalmology reports and advanced literary criticism.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “epiphora”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “epiphora”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “epiphora”
- Pronouncing it /ˈɛpɪfɔːrə/ (incorrect stress).
- Using it in casual conversation.
- Confusing it with 'epistrophe' (they are synonyms in rhetoric).
- Misspelling as 'ephiphora'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in rhetoric and stylistics, 'epiphora' and 'epistrophe' are synonyms, both referring to the repetition of words at the end of successive clauses.
In adults, it is most commonly caused by an obstruction in the tear drainage system (nasolacrimal duct obstruction) or by eyelid malposition.
It is highly technical. In everyday talk about a watery eye, you would simply say 'My eye keeps watering' or 'I have a watery eye'.
The opposite device is 'anaphora', which is the repetition of words at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences.
A medical condition involving excessive tearing or overflow of tears onto the face.
Epiphora is usually technical/academic in register.
Epiphora: in British English it is pronounced /ɪˈpɪfərə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɪˈpɪfərə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: EPIphora – tears flow OVER (epi-) the eye. Or, EPIphora – the phrase comes at the END (like an 'epilogue').
Conceptual Metaphor
MEDICAL: TEARS ARE A FLUID LEAKING FROM A CONTAINER. RHETORICAL: EMPHASIS IS A HAMMER STRIKING REPEATEDLY.
Practice
Quiz
In which field would the term 'epiphora' LEAST likely be used?