epigenetic

adjective

epi·​ge·​net·​ic ˌe-pə-jə-ˈne-tik How to pronounce epigenetic (audio)
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 adverb

Examples of epigenetic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The nucleus’s metabolic activity was specific to the functions in that compartment, including epigenetic activity. Viviane Callier, Quanta Magazine, 21 Mar. 2025 The researchers looked at blood samples from more than 3,600 older adults across the U.S. and assessed people's epigenetic age. Alejandra Borunda, NPR, 17 Mar. 2025 There was a 14-month difference in epigenetic age between residents living in places like Phoenix, Arizona, than milder places like Seattle, even after accounting other individual and community-level differences, like income, education, physical activity and smoking, Choi said. Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 26 Feb. 2025 These costs appear to speed up their epigenetic aging, and even shorten their overall lifespans. Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 23 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for epigenetic

Word History

Etymology

epi- + genetic, after epigenesis

First Known Use

1883, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of epigenetic was in 1883

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Cite this Entry

“Epigenetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/epigenetic. Accessed 5 Apr. 2025.

Medical Definition

epigenetic

adjective
epi·​ge·​net·​ic -jə-ˈnet-ik How to pronounce epigenetic (audio)
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 adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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