epigenetic

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adjective epi·ge·net·ic \ ˌe-pə-jə-ˈne-tik \

Definition of epigenetic

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

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epigenetically

play \ˌe-pə-jə-ˈne-ti-k(-ə)lē\ adverb

Recent Examples of epigenetic from the Web

What Yehuda described has come to be known as epigenetic inheritance.

— seema yasmin, chicagotribune.com, "Experts debunk study that found Holocaust trauma is inherited," 9 June 2017
After birth, environmental influences — diet, exercise, exposure to toxins, and stress — create new epigenetic tags.

— anya groner, Longreads, "Twinless in Twinsburg," 9 June 2017
A pioneer in the growing field of epigenetics, Szyf suggested that an epigenetic change to genes that control the stress system might be worth exploring.

— daniel p. keating, Scientific American, "Why Some People Are Born to Worry [Excerpt]," 5 May 2017
Research is now in progress to test epigenetic modifications on whole animals, Izpisúa Belmonte said.

— bradley j. fikes, sandiegouniontribune.com, "'Second genetic code' edited in stem cells to study disease-causing changes," 4 May 2017
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.

— brandon keim, WIRED, "Early Reports From the ‘Dark Matter’ of the Genome," 22 Dec. 2010

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

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First Known Use: 1883

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Medical Dictionary

epigenetic

play

adjective epi·ge·net·ic \ -jə-ˈnet-ik \

medical 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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epigenetically

play \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

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epigenetic

Definition of epigenetic

epigenetically

Recent Examples of epigenetic from the Web

Origin and Etymology of epigenetic

Medical Dictionary

epigenetic

medical Definition of epigenetic

epigenetically

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epigenetic

Definition of epigenetic

epigenetically

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epigenetically

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