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

Adipose tissue retains an epigenetic memory of obesity after weight loss National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. —Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 27 Nov. 2024

Obesity leads to epigenetic changes, or chemical alterations to DNA that affect gene activity. —Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 20 Nov. 2024

The mice that participated in the experiment had high levels of epigenetic markers on genes that control the opening and closing of chromatin. —William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024

Additional studies on the epigenetic mechanisms driving learning and memory may one day lay the groundwork for treating a range of cognitive disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease and post-traumatic stress syndrome. —William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

epi- + genetic, after epigenesis

First Known Use

1883, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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