epigenesis

American

[ep-i-jen-uh-sis] / ˌɛp ɪˈdʒɛn ə sɪs /

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

epigenesis British

/ ɪˈpɪdʒɪnɪst, 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
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

"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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Derived Forms

Etymology

Origin of epigenesis

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

EPIGENESIS: the theory of gradual development of organs in the embryo.

From The Evolution of Man — Volume 1 by Haeckel, Ernst Heinrich Philipp August

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023