epigenetics

Hello, you have come here looking for the meaning of the word epigenetics. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word epigenetics, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say epigenetics in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word epigenetics you have here. The definition of the word epigenetics will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition ofepigenetics, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.

English

WOTD – 24 January 2006

Etymology

Blend of epigenesis +‎ genetics; coined by C. H. Waddington in 1942.

Pronunciation

Noun

epigenetics (uncountable)

  1. (genetics) The study of the processes involved in the genetic development of an organism, especially the activation and deactivation of genes.
    • 2010 November 6, “Sins of the Fathers”, in New Scientist:
      Epigenetics deals with the regulation of genetic activity within a cell - which genes are switched on or off, and when it happens.
    • 2023, Robert M. Sapolsky, Determined: A Science of Life Without Free Will, New York: Penguin, →ISBN:
      The nuts and bolts of how this happens revolves around the massively trendy field of “epigenetics,” revealing how early life experience causes long-lasting changes in gene expression in particular brain regions.
  2. (genetics) The study of heritable changes caused by the activation and deactivation of genes without any change in DNA sequence.

Coordinate terms

Derived terms

Translations

See also

Further reading

Wikious
Boobota
Sagapedia