epicardium

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: //ˌɛpɪˈkɑːrdiəm//

KK: /ˈɛpɪˌkɑrdɪəm/

noun

Definition

The inner layer of the protective membrane surrounding the heart that is in direct contact with its surface.

Example

The surgeon carefully examined the epicardium during the heart surgery.

Conversation

I just learned about the epicardium in my biology class.

Oh really? What is it exactly?

It's the layer that directly covers the heart's surface.

That sounds fascinating! I didn't know there was a specific name for that layer.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

pericardium

mesocardium

endocardium

Antonyms

exocardium

outerlayer

epicardial

Root Explanation

Epicardium → It is formed from "epi-" (meaning upon or over) and "kardía" (meaning heart in Greek). The word "epicardium" refers to the outer layer of the heart, literally meaning the layer that is upon the heart.

Memory Tip

Think of something that is 'upon' ('epi-') the 'heart' ('kardía') — that's why epicardium refers to the outer layer of the heart.

Visually Confused Words