epigenesis

noun

epi·​gen·​e·​sis ˌe-pə-ˈje-nə-səs 

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

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

Medical Definition

epigenesis

noun

epi·​gen·​e·​sis ˌep-ə-ˈjen-ə-səs 

plural epigeneses -ˌsēz 

1

: development involving gradual diversification and differentiation of an initially undifferentiated entity (as a zygote or spore) compare preformation

2

: theory of epigenesis