The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Epitomize \E*pit"o*mize\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Epitomized; p.
   pr. & vb. n. Epitomizing.]
   1. To make an epitome of; to shorten or abridge, as a writing
      or discourse; to reduce within a smaller space; as, to
      epitomize the works of Justin.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. To diminish, as by cutting off something; to curtail; as,
      to epitomize words. [Obs.] --Addison.
      [1913 Webster]

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

epitomize
    v 1: embody the essential characteristics of or be a typical
         example of; "The fugue typifies Bach's style of
         composition" [syn: typify, epitomize, epitomise]