episode
UK[ˈepɪsəʊd]US[ˈepɪsoʊd]
n
an event or a group of events occurring as part of a larger sequence; an incident or period considered in isolation.
n
each of the separate instalments into which a serialized story or radio or television programme is divided.
Morpheme Breakdown
epi
sode
epi
upon
sode
coming
Etymology
the word episode originates from ancient greek theater. it entered english via latin 'episodium' and french 'épisode'. the greek term 'epeisodion' literally meant "an addition," coming from 'epi-' (upon) and 'eisodos' (entry, coming in). in ancient drama, it referred to the part between two choral songs, an incident inserted into the main story. this literal sense of something "coming in upon" the main action evolved to denote any distinct event within a sequence or, in modern media, a single instalment of a serialized narrative.
Analysis
Structure: epi (upon) + sode (coming)
epi is a greek prefix meaning "upon, at, or besides." sode is derived from the greek root 'eisod-', from 'eisienai' meaning "to come in," related to 'hodos' meaning "way."
Examples
the patient experienced a brief episode of dizziness.
the final episode of the series resolved all the major plotlines.
his time working abroad was a significant episode in his life.