Pronunciation: (ep"i-kyoo-rē'u-niz"um, -kyoor'ē-), [key]
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. (l.c.) epicurean indulgence or habits. Also,Ep•i•cur•ismPronunciation: (ep'i-kyoo-riz"um, ep"i-kyoor'iz-um). [key]
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.