Definition of epigenesis
1
: development of a plant or animal from an egg or spore through a series of processes in which unorganized cell masses differentiate into organs and organ systems
also
: the theory that plant and animal development proceeds in this way — compare preformation sense 2
2
: change in the mineral character of a rock owing to outside influences
Test Your Vocabulary
Eponyms: Words Named After People
-
- What is the best definition of boycott?

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZ
A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share epigenesis
Time Traveler for epigenesis
The first known use of epigenesis was in 1798
See more words from the same year