Main Entry: epit·a·sis

Pronunciation: \i-ˈpi-tə-səs\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural epit·a·ses \-ˌsēz\

Etymology: Greek, increased intensity, from epiteinein to stretch tighter, from epi- + teinein to stretch — more at thin

Date: 1583

: the part of a play developing the main action and leading to the catastrophe