[epi.ge.al] or epi.ge.an also epi.ge.ous or epi.ge.ic adj [Gk epigaios upon the earth, fr. epi- + gaia earth] (1861) 1 of a cotyledon: forced above ground by elongation of the hypocotyl
2: marked by the production of epigeal cotyledons "~ germination"
3: living on or near the surface of the ground; also: relating to or being the environment near the surface of the ground