epitasis

noun

epit·​a·​sis i-ˈpi-tə-səs 

plural epitases i-ˈpi-tə-ˌsēz 

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

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Greek epítasis "stretching, increase in intensity, development of the plot of a play," from epita-, variant stem of epiteínein "to stretch on or over, tighten, increase in intensity" (from epi- epi- + teínein "to stretch, extend, spread") + -sis -sis — more at tenant entry 1

First Known Use

1583, in the meaning defined above