epigenesis

[ ep-i-jen-uh-sis ]
/ ˌɛp ɪˈdʒɛn ə sɪs /

noun

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

Origin of epigenesis

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

OTHER WORDS FROM epigenesis

ep·i·gen·e·sist, e·pig·e·nist [ih-pij-uh-nist] /ɪˈpɪdʒ ə nɪst/, noun ep·i·ge·net·ic [ep-i-juh-net-ik] /ˌɛp ɪ dʒəˈnɛt ɪk/, adjective ep·i·ge·net·i·cal·ly, adverb

Words nearby epigenesis

epigastric hernia, epigastrium, epigastrocele, epigeal, epigene, epigenesis, epigenetic, epigenetics, epigenome, epigenomics, epigenous

Example sentences from the Web for epigenesis

British Dictionary definitions for epigenesis

epigenesis
/ (ˌɛpɪˈdʒɛnɪsɪs) /

noun

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

Derived forms of epigenesis

epigenesist or epigenist (ɪˈpɪdʒɪnɪst), noun

Medical definitions for epigenesis

epigenesis
[ ĕp′ə-jĕn′ĭ-sĭs ]

n.

The theory that an individual is developed by successive differentiation of an unstructured egg rather than by a simple enlarging of a preformed entity.

Other words from epigenesis

ep′i•ge•net′ic (-jə-nĕt′ĭk) adj.