epigenesis

[ ep-i-jen-uh-sis ]

noun

1. Biology. the theory that an embryo develops from the successive differentiation of an originally undifferentiated structure ( preformation ).
2. Genetics. the approximately stepwise process by which genetic information is modified and translated into the substance and behavior of an organism. epigenetics.
3. Geology. ore deposition subsequent to the original formation of the enclosing country rock.

epigenesis

/ ɪˈpɪdʒɪnɪst; ˌɛpɪˈdʒɛnɪsɪs /

noun

1. the widely accepted theory that an individual animal or plant develops by the gradual differentiation and elaboration of a fertilized egg cell Compare preformation
2. the formation or alteration of rocks after the surrounding rock has been formed
3. alteration of the mineral composition of a rock by external agents: a type of metamorphism

Derived Forms

• ˌepiˈgenesist, noun

Other Words From

• epi·gene·sist e·pig·e·nist [ih-, pij, -, uh, -nist], noun
• ep·i·ge·net·ic [ep-i-j, uh, -, net, -ik], adjective
• epi·ge·neti·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of epigenesis¹

First recorded in 1800–10; epi- + -genesis

Example Sentences

Some species, indeed, can pass this resilience on to their offspring by a process called intergenerational epigenesis.

From Economist

In the case of mothers, it is now believed that this process, called intergenerational epigenesis, is caused by micro-RNAs from the parent getting into eggs as they form in a developing fetus.

From Economist

The chemical processes that alter the genes in epigenesis – methylation and deacetylation of the packaging proteins of the genes, the histones – are fairly well understood.

From The Guardian

The differences between the exponents of evolution and epigenesis offer practical problems to be decided by experiment.

From Project Gutenberg

Presented in this view, the doctrine of epigenesis raised against itself the most simple and scientific common sense, as being manifestly erroneous.

From Project Gutenberg