English Explanatory Dictionary

epigenetics

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. The study of the processes involved in the genetic development of an organism, especially the activation and deactivation of genes.
  2. The study of heritable changes caused by the activation and deactivation of genes without any change in DNA sequence.

Pronunciation

/ˌɛpɪd͡ʒəˈnɛtɪks/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-epigenetics.wav

Word forms

epigenetics

Etymology

Blend of epigenesis + genetics; coined by C. H. Waddington in 1942.

Related words

epigenetic epigenome genetic determinism gene expression gene silencing

Derived words

metaboloepigenetics neuroepigenetics pharmacoepigenetics
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