Pronunciation: ˌ e-pi- ' j ē - ə l
Variant: also epi · ge · an \ - ' j ē - ə n \ or epi · ge · ous \ - ' j ē - ə s \ or epi · ge · ic \ - ' j ē -ik \
Function: adjective
Etymology: Greek epigaios upon the earth, from epi- + gaia earth
Date: 1861
1 of a cotyledon : forced above ground by elongation of the hypocotyl
2 : marked by the production of epigeal cotyledons < epigeal germination>
3 : living on or near the surface of the ground also : relating to or being the environment near the surface of the ground