‖ epiphora
(ɛˈpɪfərə)
[L. epiphora, a. Gr. ἐπιϕορά a bringing to or upon, f. ἐπιϕέρειν, f. ἐπί upon + ϕέρειν to bring.]
1. A sudden afflux of humours; esp. ‘a superabundant flow of tears, or of an aqueous or serous humour from the eyes’ (Syd. Soc. Lex.).
| 1657 Phys. Dict., Epiphora, involuntary weeping. 1721–1800 in Bailey. 1875 H. Walton Dis. Eye 144 It displaced the lower eyelid together with the punctum, and produced epiphora. 1878 T. Bryant Pract. Surg. I. 348 If accompanied by troublesome watering of the eye, epiphora. |
2. Rhet. (See quots.)
| 1678 Phillips, Epiphora, Force or Impression, a figure in Rhetorick, in which one word is repeated at the end of several Sentences, but differs from Epistrophe, in that it hath respect chiefly to the Matter. 1721–1800 Bailey. |
3. Logic. The conclusion of a syllogism or consequent of an hypothesis.
| 1721 in Bailey; and in mod. Dicts. |