[ep-i-kyoo-ree-uh-niz-uh
m, -kyoor-ee-] 
| 1. | the philosophical system or doctrine of Epicurus, holding that the external world is a series of fortuitous combinations of atoms and that the highest good is pleasure, interpreted as freedom from disturbance or pain. |
| 2. | (lowercase) epicurean indulgence or habits. |
| Ep·i·cu·re·an·ism (ěp'ĭ-kyŏŏ-rē'ə-nĭz'əm, -kyŏŏr'ē-) n.
|
A form of hedonism defended by several philosophers of ancient Greece. For the Epicureans, the proper goal of action was pleasure — a long-term pleasure, marked by serenity and temperance.
