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

epigenetically

ˌe-pə-jə-ˈne-ti-k(-ə)lē 

adverb

Examples of epigenetic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Food is fuel and epigenetic information for your body. — Lucia Aronica, CNBC, 10 June 2026

Of the seven epigenetic clocks used, only three showed links between cultural activities and slower aging. — Allison Forsyth, Health, 15 May 2026

NewLimit is betting that aging can be addressed through epigenetic reprogramming. — Dasha Shunina, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026

Similar to adaptive responses, these epigenetic changes stick around afterward, creating another type of immunologic memory. — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 15 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

epi- + genetic, after epigenesis

First Known Use

1883, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for epigenetic

• aeromagnetic
• antiemetic
• antipathetic
• apologetic
• biogenetic
• biomimetic
• biosynthetic
• cytogenetic
• diagenetic
• diamagnetic
• diaphoretic
• ferromagnetic

Medical 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

epigenetically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb