epimorphic
|e-pi-mor-phic|
🇺🇸
/ˌɛpɪˈmɔɹfɪk/
🇬🇧
/ˌɛpɪˈmɔːfɪk/
like an onto map
Etymology
'epimorphic' originates from Greek elements 'epi-' and 'morphē' via New Latin/Modern scientific coinage, where 'epi-' meant 'upon, over' and 'morphē' meant 'form' or 'shape'.
'epimorphic' developed from the Greek-rooted scientific terms such as New Latin 'epimorphosis' (from Greek 'epimorphōsis') and was later adapted into English as the adjective 'epimorphic' to describe related properties; in mathematics it was extended from 'epimorphism' (a term used in category theory).
Initially tied to the biological term 'epimorphosis' meaning 'forming upon/over' (regenerative growth), it was extended in mathematics to relate to 'epimorphism' and now commonly means 'having the properties of an epimorphism' (often interpreted as 'onto' in algebraic contexts).
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
relating to or having the properties of an epimorphism (in category theory, a morphism f such that g ∘ f = h ∘ f implies g = h). In many algebraic contexts an epimorphic homomorphism is a surjective (onto) map.
In this category the natural projection is epimorphic, so it cannot be distinguished by postcomposition.
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Adjective 2
relating to epimorphosis in biology: involving regeneration through new tissue growth rather than reorganization of existing tissue.
Certain amphibians show epimorphic regeneration of limbs after injury.
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Last updated: 2025/10/09 05:05