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
Examples of epigenetic in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Advertisement My lab has focused mostly on epigenetic regulation [which is the process by which genes can be turned on or off by certain biochemical mechanisms].
—
Dominique Mosbergen, Time, 16 Oct. 2025
Further analysis revealed that SARS-CoV-2 infection had altered small noncoding RNA molecules (sncRNAs) in sperm – epigenetic markers known to influence how genes are expressed in the next generation.
—New Atlas, 13 Oct. 2025
Environmental and epigenetic factors also play significant roles.
—Suchandrima Bhowmik, Health, 12 Oct. 2025
Evelyn’s agenda, articulated in a book that is unconvincingly treated as a bestseller, has something to do with epigenetic trauma and kids being the victims of psychoses patterned through their parents.
—Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 24 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for epigenetic
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Dominique Mosbergen, Time, 16 Oct. 2025
Further analysis revealed that SARS-CoV-2 infection had altered small noncoding RNA molecules (sncRNAs) in sperm – epigenetic markers known to influence how genes are expressed in the next generation.
—New Atlas, 13 Oct. 2025
Environmental and epigenetic factors also play significant roles.
—Suchandrima Bhowmik, Health, 12 Oct. 2025
Evelyn’s agenda, articulated in a book that is unconvincingly treated as a bestseller, has something to do with epigenetic trauma and kids being the victims of psychoses patterned through their parents.
—Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 24 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for epigenetic
Cite this Entry
“Epigenetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/epigenetic. Accessed 24 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical 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
Tina Hesman Saey, Science NewsLove words? Need even more definitions?
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