Definition of epigenetic
1a : 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 genesb : 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
From the M-W Editors
Recent Examples of epigenetic from the Web
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This approach is known from epigenetics (epi means outside) but the new examination was unprecedentedly thorough, looking at dozens of epigenetic factors, at every single DNA base.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'epigenetic'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of epigenetic
epi- + genetic, after epigenesis
First Known Use: 1883
Medical Dictionary
epigenetic
playMedical Definition of epigenetic
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, 14 Feb. 2009
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