epistasis

[ ih-pis-tuh-sis ]

noun

, plural e·pis·ta·ses [ih-, pis, -t, uh, -seez].

1. Genetics. a form of interaction between nonallelic genes in which one combination of such genes has a dominant effect over other combinations.
2. Medicine/Medical.
   1. the stoppage of a secretion or discharge.
   2. a scum that forms on a urine specimen upon standing.

epistasis

/ ɪˈpɪstəsɪs; ˌɛpɪˈstætɪk /

noun

1. obsolete.
   scum on the surface of a liquid, esp on an old specimen of urine
2. med the arrest or checking of a bodily discharge, esp bleeding
3. Also calledhypostasis genetics the suppression by a gene of the effect of another gene that is not its allele

Derived Forms

• epistatic, adjective

Other Words From

• ep·i·stat·ic [ep-, uh, -, stat, -ik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of epistasis¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of epistasis¹

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

Example Sentences

We also present evidence that the targets of natural selection change over time, as epistasis and historical contingency alter the strength of selection on different genes.

From Nature

The existence of extensive ALS genome databases will enable the first comprehensive studies of epistasis, characterizing the interactions of numerous genes to perturb the viability of motor neurons.

From Nature

Some would argue that epistasis — complex interactions among genetic variants — has long been under-appreciated.

From Nature

Dantas views the concept of 'genetic epistasis', in which two or more genes influence one another, as strength in numbers.

From Nature

Instead, fitness is following a power-law relationship that is dependent on epistasis and clonal interference.

From Science Magazine