epigenesis

noun

epi·​gen·​e·​sis ˌe-pə-ˈje-nə-səs How to pronounce epigenesis (audio)
1
: development of a plant or animal from an egg or spore through a series of processes in which unorganized cell masses differentiate into organs and organ systems
also : the theory that plant and animal development proceeds in this way compare preformation sense 2
2
: change in the mineral character of a rock owing to outside influences

Examples of epigenesis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Disease researchers, Francis reports, have hopes that the effects of abnormal epigenesis may be reversed. Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 20 June 2011 Some species, indeed, can pass this resilience on to their offspring by a process called intergenerational epigenesis. The Economist, 15 Mar. 2018

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin (William Harvey), from epi- epi- + genesis genesis

First Known Use

1798, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of epigenesis was in 1798

Dictionary Entries Near epigenesis

Cite this Entry

“Epigenesis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/epigenesis. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

epigenesis

noun
epi·​gen·​e·​sis ˌep-ə-ˈjen-ə-səs How to pronounce epigenesis (audio)
plural epigeneses -ˌsēz How to pronounce epigenesis (audio)
1
: development involving gradual diversification and differentiation of an initially undifferentiated entity (as a zygote or spore) compare preformation
2
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!