epigenetic

adjective

epi·ge·net·ic | \ ˌe-pə-jə-ˈne-tik

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 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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The list ranges from tobacco smoke to pesticides, flame retardants to obesity, all of which can have epigenetic effects. — David Grossman, Popular Mechanics, "THC Could Affect Men's Sperm, New Study Says," 20 Dec. 2018 Biologists have learned that experiences and environmental insults like chemicals during childhood can leave epigenetic traces. — John Hawks, WSJ, "‘Lamarck’s Revenge’ Review: Inheriting the Wrong Ideas," 16 Aug. 2018 But considering that advanced epigenetic technology has already begun trickling down into the skincare market, these most recent findings may well be a strong harbinger of what's to come in the pursuit of eternal youth. — Lauren Valenti, Vogue, "Scientists Have Found a Way to Reverse Wrinkles and Hair Loss, According to an "Unprecedented" New Study," 23 July 2018 The team hope to spot epigenetic patterns that will both give away those cells which are infected and help explain how HIV genes in a cell’s nucleus are activated and deactivated. — The Economist, "HIV+ volunteers are bequeathing their organs to a new project," 31 May 2018 The team found that these early signs of handedness appear to be linked to lopsided epigenetic activity: chemical changes that effectively turn certain genes on or off without altering the DNA sequence itself. — Gemma Tarlach, Discover Magazine, "Was Science Wrong About Being Right?," 18 May 2018 The epigenetic benefits from running ended when the running did. — Gretchen Reynolds, New York Times, "Do Fathers Who Exercise Have Smarter Babies?," 9 May 2018 But epigenetic effects might be treatable, by boosting levels of particular micro-RNAs in sperm, for example. — The Economist, "How stress echoes down the generations," 24 May 2018 The research is preliminary, however, and scientists have not identified what causes these epigenetic changes. — Gemma Tarlach, Discover Magazine, "Was Science Wrong About Being Right?," 18 May 2018

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.

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10 Jan 2019

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The first known use of epigenetic was in 1883

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More Definitions for epigenetic

epigenetic

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