epigenetics

[ ep-i-juh-net-iks ]

/ ˌɛp ɪ dʒəˈnɛt ɪks /

noun (used with a singular verb)

Genetics. the study of the process by which genetic information is translated into the substance and behavior of an organism: specifically, the study of the way in which the expression of heritable traits is modified by environmental influences or other mechanisms without a change to the DNA sequence.

Nearby words

epigastrocele, epigeal, epigene, epigenesis, epigenetic, epigenetics, epigenome, epigenomics, epigenous, epigeous, epiglottic cartilage

Origin of epigenetics

1942; coined by Conrad H. Waddington, 1905–75, British biologist; blend of epigenesis and genetics

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for epigenetics

This process, known as epigenetics, involves the addition of small chemical tags known as methyl groups to the DNA double helix.
How Famines Make Future Generations Fat|Carrie Arnold|May 11, 2014|DAILY BEAST

British Dictionary definitions for epigenetics

epigenetics

/ (ˌɛpɪdʒɪˈnɛtɪks) /

noun (functioning as sing)

the study of heritable changes that occur without a change in the DNA sequence

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