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epigenetics
[ ep-i-juh-net-iks ]
/ ˌɛp ɪ dʒəˈnɛt ɪks /
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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.
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Origin of epigenetics
1942; coined by Conrad H. Waddington, 1905–75, British biologist; blend of epigenesis and genetics
Words nearby epigenetics
epigastrium, epigeal, epigene, epigenesis, epigenetic, epigenetics, epigenome, epigenomics, epigenous, epigeous, epiglottis
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022
How to use epigenetics in a sentence
At their root is epigenetics, a mechanism “above” DNA to regulate how our genes are expressed.
These Mice Pups Inherited Immunity From Their Parents—But Not Through DNA|Shelly Fan|November 2, 2021|Singularity HubA reliable CRISPR tool for epigenetics is insanely powerful.
A New CRISPR Tool Flips Genes On and Off Like a Light Switch|Shelly Fan|April 27, 2021|Singularity HubThanks to epigenetics’ “enhancing” power, CRISPRoff lets researchers go big.
A New CRISPR Tool Flips Genes On and Off Like a Light Switch|Shelly Fan|April 27, 2021|Singularity HubThis process, known as epigenetics, involves the addition of small chemical tags known as methyl groups to the DNA double helix.
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
Scientific definitions for epigenetics
epigenetics
[ ĕp′ĭ-jə-nĕt′ĭks ]
The study of heritable changes in gene expression caused by factors such as DNA methylation rather than by a change in the sequence of base pairs in DNA itself.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.