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
Programs begin with biological age testing, genetic profiling, and epigenetic analysis, followed by personalized protocols for cellular renewal and preventive health.
—
Meggen Harris, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025
In Long Story Short, Judaism is religious, but it’s as often treated as cultural, mystical and epigenetic, a series of practices and traditions that connect a disjointed people to happiness and trauma, that bring comfort and discomfort alike.
—Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 22 Aug. 2025
This suggests that obesity before pregnancy can change epigenetic marks in the mother’s eggs, which in turn alter how certain brain genes work in the next generation.
—New Atlas, 16 Aug. 2025
The study's evidence that the epigenetic clock can be slowed in an invertebrate raises the possibility that environmental factors—or eventually medical interventions—might one day delay biological aging in humans.
—Thomas Westerholm, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for epigenetic
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Meggen Harris, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025
In Long Story Short, Judaism is religious, but it’s as often treated as cultural, mystical and epigenetic, a series of practices and traditions that connect a disjointed people to happiness and trauma, that bring comfort and discomfort alike.
—Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 22 Aug. 2025
This suggests that obesity before pregnancy can change epigenetic marks in the mother’s eggs, which in turn alter how certain brain genes work in the next generation.
—New Atlas, 16 Aug. 2025
The study's evidence that the epigenetic clock can be slowed in an invertebrate raises the possibility that environmental factors—or eventually medical interventions—might one day delay biological aging in humans.
—Thomas Westerholm, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Aug. 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 7 Sep. 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?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share