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epigenesis

 - 4 dictionary results

ep⋅i⋅gen⋅e⋅sis

[ep-i-jen-uh-sis]
–noun
1. Biology.
a. the theory that an embryo develops from the successive differentiation of an originally undifferentiated structure (opposed to preformation ).
b. the approximately stepwise process by which genetic information, as modified by environmental influences, is translated into the substance and behavior of an organism.
2. Geology. ore deposition subsequent to the original formation of the enclosing country rock.

Origin:
1800–10; epi- + -genesis


ep⋅i⋅gen⋅e⋅sist, e⋅pig⋅e⋅nist [i-pij-uh-nist] , noun
ep⋅i⋅ge⋅net⋅ic [ep-i-juh-net-ik] , adjective
ep⋅i⋅ge⋅net⋅i⋅cal⋅ly, adverb
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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ep·i·gen·e·sis   (ěp'ə-jěn'ĭ-sĭs)   
n.  
  1. Biology The theory that an individual is developed by successive differentiation of an unstructured egg rather than by a simple enlarging of a preformed entity.

  2. Geology Change in the mineral content of a rock because of outside influences.

ep'i·ge·net'ic (-jə-nět'ĭk) adj.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Medical Dictionary

Main Entry: epi·gen·e·sis
Pronunciation: "ep-&-'jen-&-s&s
Function: noun
Inflected Form: plural epi·gen·e·ses /-"sEz/
1 : development involving gradual diversification and differentiation of an initially undifferentiated entity (as azygote or spore) —compare PREFORMATION
2 : THEORY OF EPIGENESIS
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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Medical Dictionary

epigenesis ep·i·gen·e·sis (ěp'ə-jěn'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.


ep'i·ge·net'ic (-jə-nět'ĭk) adj.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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