epicurean

[ep-i-kyoo-ree-uh n, -kyoo r-ee-] /ˌɛp ɪ kyʊˈri ən, -ˈkyʊər i-/
adjective
1.
fond of or adapted to luxury or indulgence in sensual pleasures; having luxurious tastes or habits, especially in eating and drinking.
2.
fit for an epicure:
epicurean delicacies.
3.
(initial capital letter) of, pertaining to, or characteristic of Epicurus or Epicureanism.
noun
4.
an epicure.
5.
(initial capital letter) a disciple of Epicurus.
Origin
1350-1400; Middle English Epicurien < Latin Epicūrē(us) of Epicurus (< Greek Epikoúreios) + -an
Related forms
nonepicurean, adjective, noun
unepicurean, adjective
Synonyms
2. gourmet, luxury, lavish, deluxe, rich.
Antonyms
2. austere, simple, plain, modest, frugal.
Examples from the web for epicurean
  • Our more epicurean neighbors are in nowise sharers in our prejudices respecting the gastronomic properties.
  • Naturally, having your town go from rural crossroads to epicurean epicenter has brought some stresses.
  • Intended to invoke tradition, political correctness and freshness, with more than a whiff of epicurean superiority.
  • It is also a medium for epicurean improvisation, as in the recipes that follow.
  • Delicious epicurean delights are prepared daily from scratch by culinary arts students and expert chefs.
British Dictionary definitions for epicurean

epicurean

/ˌɛpɪkjʊˈriːən/
adjective
1.
devoted to sensual pleasures, esp food and drink; hedonistic
2.
suitable for an epicure: an epicurean feast
noun
3.
an epicure; gourmet
Derived Forms
epicureanism, noun

Epicurean

/ˌɛpɪkjʊˈriːən/
adjective
1.
of or relating to the philosophy of Epicurus
noun
2.
a follower of the philosophy of Epicurus
Derived Forms
Epicureanism, noun
Word Origin and History for epicurean
n.

late 14c., "follower of the philosophical system of Epicurus;" 1570s, "one devoted to pleasure," from Old French Epicurien, or from epicure + -ian. As an adjective, attested from 1580s in the philosophical sense and 1640s with the meaning "pleasure-loving."