epigenesis

[ ep-i-jen-uh-sis ]

noun

Biology. the theory that an embryo develops from the successive differentiation of an originally undifferentiated structure (opposed to preformation).
Genetics. the approximately stepwise process by which genetic information is modified and translated into the substance and behavior of an organism.: See also epigenetics.

Geology. ore deposition subsequent to the original formation of the enclosing country rock.

Origin of epigenesis

First recorded in 1800–10; epi- + -genesis

Other words from epigenesis

ep·i·gen·e·sist, e·pig·e·nist [ih-pij-uh-nist], /ɪˈpɪdʒ ə nɪst/, noun
ep·i·ge·net·ic [ep-i-juh-net-ik], /ˌɛp ɪ dʒəˈnɛt ɪk/, adjective
ep·i·ge·net·i·cal·ly, adverb

Words Nearby epigenesis

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use epigenesis in a sentence

Rignano calls his theory "centro-epigenesis" and is greatly influenced by Weismann.
Darwin, and After Darwin, Volume II (of 3) | George John Romanes
The development is an epigenesis, or impressing on identical material of different characters by different surrounding forces.
The Biological Problem of To-day | Oscar Hertwig
It is interesting to display the essential contrast between preformation and epigenesis in the poetical words of Wolff himself.
The Biological Problem of To-day | Oscar Hertwig
Elsewhere he writes: 'I believe that I have established that ontogeny can be explained only by evolution, and not by epigenesis.'
The Biological Problem of To-day | Oscar Hertwig
In fact, the deepest consideration leads us again to the original question: Is embryonic development epigenesis or evolution?
The Biological Problem of To-day | Oscar Hertwig

British Dictionary definitions for epigenesis

epigenesis

/ (ˌɛpɪˈdʒɛnɪsɪs) /

noun

the widely accepted theory that an individual animal or plant develops by the gradual differentiation and elaboration of a fertilized egg cell: Compare preformation (def. 2)
the formation or alteration of rocks after the surrounding rock has been formed

alteration of the mineral composition of a rock by external agents: a type of metamorphism

Derived forms of epigenesis

epigenesist or epigenist (ɪˈpɪdʒɪnɪst), noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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