epigenomics

noun

epi·​ge·​no·​mics ˌe-pə-ji-ˈnō-miks 

-ˈnä-

plural in form but singular in construction

: a branch of genomics concerned with the epigenetic changes that modify the expression and function of the genetic material of an organism : the study of the epigenome

Until now, researchers have tackled epigenomics piecemeal, with different groups cataloging where on the genomes of particular cells certain epigenetic modifications occur.

—Elizabeth Pennisi

Word History

Etymology

epi- + genomics, after epigenetic

First Known Use

1997, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for epigenomics

• genomics
• proteomics

Medical Definition

epigenomics

noun, plural in form but singular in construction

epi·​ge·​no·​mics ˌep-ə-ji-ˈnō-miks 

-ˈnäm-iks

: a branch of genomics concerned with the epigenetic changes that modify the expression and function of the genetic material of an organism : the study of the epigenome

Epigenomics takes a whole-genome approach to studying environmental or developmental epigenetic effects, primarily DNA methylation, on gene function. Thus, epigenomics focuses on those genes whose function is determined by external factors.

—Ann M. Thayer, Chemical & Engineering News