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
epigastrocele, epigeal, epigene, epigenesis, epigenetic, epigenetics, epigenome, epigenomics, epigenous, epigeous, epiglottic cartilage
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
Example sentences 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.
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.