epitome

Definition

The embodiment or encapsulation of a class of items.

Etymology

From Middle French, from Latin epitomē, from Ancient Greek ἐπιτομή (epitomḗ, “an abridgment, also a surface-incision”), from ἐπιτέμνω (epitémnō, “I cut upon the surface, cut short, abridge”), from ἐπι- (epi-, “up”) + τέμνω (témnō, “to cut”).

Example Sentences

• "This is a poore Epitome of yours, / Which by th'interpretation of full time, / May ſhew like all your ſelfe."
• "But first I took up Ayesha's kirtle and the gauzy scarf with which she had been wont to hide her dazzling loveliness from the eyes of men, and, averting my head so that I might not look upon it, covered up that dreadful relic of the glorious dead, that shocking epitome of human beauty and human life."
• "The minute they see me, fear me / I'm the epitome of "public enemy""