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

There’s also some debate among scientists about whether epigenetic clocks are the best measure for aging, said Rachel Morello-Frosch, an environmental health scientist at the University of California, Berkeley. —Mohana Ravindranath, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2025

One of the four epigenetic clocks the researchers used also found that strength training and vitamin D supplements slowed biological aging even further when combined with omega-3 fatty acids. —Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 12 Feb. 2025

Yet, the majority of aging biomarkers and biological age clocks (think epigenetic methylation models) have been designed around male physiology. —Ximena Araya-Fischel, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025

Biological age can be determined by biomarkers, epigenetic alterations and physiological factors, among others. —Mandy Taheri, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 May 2025

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