epigenetic
adjective
epi·ge·net·ic
ˌe-pə-jə-ˈne-tik 
1
a
: of, relating to, or produced by the chain of developmental processes in epigenesis that lead from genotype to phenotype after the initial action of the genes
b
: relating to, being, or involving changes in gene function that do not involve changes in DNA sequence
epigenetic inheritance
2
of a deposit or structure
: formed after the laying down of the enclosing rock
Examples of epigenetic in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
That money alone will insulate you from the impact of epigenetic stress responses.
—
Rahkim Sabree, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2025
Khatib, of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, said epigenetic changes might be reversible but would depend on significant improvements in a person's environment and overall living conditions.
—Juliana Kim, NPR, 29 July 2025
There, enzymes break down the metabolites into epigenetic marks known as acetyl groups and place them on histones to activate one set of genes.
—Viviane Callier, Quanta Magazine, 21 Mar. 2025
After analyzing participants’ DNA with epigenetic clocks, Bischoff-Ferrari and her colleagues found that omega-3 fatty acids actually slackened aging at the biological level, regardless of participants’ body mass index (BMI), age, and gender.
—Brian Mastroianni, Health, 12 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for epigenetic
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Rahkim Sabree, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2025
Khatib, of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, said epigenetic changes might be reversible but would depend on significant improvements in a person's environment and overall living conditions.
—Juliana Kim, NPR, 29 July 2025
There, enzymes break down the metabolites into epigenetic marks known as acetyl groups and place them on histones to activate one set of genes.
—Viviane Callier, Quanta Magazine, 21 Mar. 2025
After analyzing participants’ DNA with epigenetic clocks, Bischoff-Ferrari and her colleagues found that omega-3 fatty acids actually slackened aging at the biological level, regardless of participants’ body mass index (BMI), age, and gender.
—Brian Mastroianni, Health, 12 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for epigenetic
Cite this Entry
“Epigenetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/epigenetic. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
epigenetic
adjective
epi·ge·net·ic
-jə-ˈnet-ik
1
: of, relating to, or produced by epigenesis
the epigenetic nature of vertebrate development
2
: relating to, being, or involving a modification in gene expression that is independent of the DNA sequence of a gene
epigenetic carcinogenesis
epigenetic inheritance
Methylation is one of many epigenetic signals—chemical changes to DNA and its associated proteins—that modify gene activity without altering the genetic information itself.—Tina Hesman Saey, Science News
Tina Hesman Saey, Science NewsLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share