epistasis

[ ih-pis-tuh-sis ]

/ ɪˈpɪs tə sɪs /

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noun, plural e·pis·ta·ses

[ih-pis-tuh-seez]. /ɪˈpɪs təˌsiz/.

Genetics. a form of interaction between nonallelic genes in which one combination of such genes has a dominant effect over other combinations.

Medicine/Medical.

the stoppage of a secretion or discharge.
a scum that forms on a urine specimen upon standing.

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Origin of epistasis

First recorded in 1915–20, epistasis is from the Greek word epístasis stopping, stoppage. See epi-, stasis

OTHER WORDS FROM epistasis

ep·i·stat·ic

[ep-uh-stat-ik], /ˌɛp əˈstæt ɪk/, adjective

Words nearby epistasis

epispadias, epispastic, episplenitis, epispore, Epist., epistasis, epistaxis, episteme, epistemic, epistemics, epistemological

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

British Dictionary definitions for epistasis

epistasis

/ (ɪˈpɪstəsɪs) /

noun

obsolete scum on the surface of a liquid, esp on an old specimen of urine

med the arrest or checking of a bodily discharge, esp bleeding

Also called: hypostasis genetics the suppression by a gene of the effect of another gene that is not its allele

Derived forms of epistasis

epistatic (ˌɛpɪˈstætɪk), adjective

Word Origin for epistasis

C19: from Greek: a stopping, from ephistanai to stop, from epi- + histanai to put

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

Medical definitions for epistasis

epistasis

[ ĭ-pĭs′tə-sĭs ]

n. pl. e•pis•ta•ses (-sēz′)

A film that forms over the surface of a urine specimen.

An interaction between nonallelic genes, especially an interaction in which one gene suppresses the expression of another.

The suppression of a bodily discharge or secretion.

Other words from epistasis

ep′i•stat′ic (ĕp′ĭ-stăt′ĭk) adj.