First Known Use: 1798
Dictionary
epigenesis
noun epi·gen·e·sis \ˌe-pə-ˈje-nə-səs\
Definition of EPIGENESIS
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 2
2
: change in the mineral character of a rock owing to outside influences
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Origin of EPIGENESIS
New Latin
Medical Dictionary
epigenesis
noun epi·gen·e·sis \ˌep-ə-ˈjen-ə-səs\
plural epi·gen·e·ses \-ˌsēz\
Medical Definition of EPIGENESIS
1
: development involving gradual diversification and differentiation of an initially undifferentiated entity (as a zygote or spore)—compare preformation
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