epistasis

[ ih-pis-tuh-sis ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

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

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

epistasis

/ ˌɛpɪˈstætɪk; ɪˈpɪstəsɪs /

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

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

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

April 20, 2024flabbergast

[flab-er-gast ]

Start each day with the Word of the Day in your inbox!

By clicking "Sign Up", you are accepting Dictionary.com Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policies.

Browse