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

Investigators have identified epigenetic signatures and other biological markers that may predict postpartum depression risk before symptoms emerge. — Jamie Maguire, STAT, 12 Aug. 2026

Or Paracelsus will recommend a full epigenetic panel and other tests, only to learn that the client has already done them all, takes a long list of supplements, and receives two IVs a week during the workday. — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 8 Aug. 2026

Adults with lower handgrip strength showed accelerated biological aging on epigenetic clocks, which measure DNA methylation to reveal a person’s true biological age. — Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 July 2026

Yet, head-to-head comparisons suggest proteomic clocks perform similarly to epigenetic clocks, with each capturing different dimensions of aging. — Jesse Pines, Forbes.com, 20 July 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