epigenome

noun

epi·​ge·​nome ˌe-pə-ˈjē-ˌnōm How to pronounce epigenome (audio)
: the complement of chemical compounds that modify the expression and function of the genome
Access to the genes is controlled by the epigenome, a layer of millions of proteins and other marks that attach themselves to the genome.—Nicholas Wade
Working out which genes are switched on or not involves looking at the epigenome, or the chemical "methyl" tags attached to genes.—New Scientist

Examples of epigenome in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
During methylation, a methyl group in the epigenome turns genes off. — Tad Friend, New Yorker, 4 Aug. 2025 The key is to manipulate the body’s epigenome—a sort of cellular keyboard that determines which underlying genetic notes get played and which don’t. — Time Contributors, Time, 27 Apr. 2026 Critically, the epigenome can shift during an organism’s lifetime in response to stress or other environmental factors. — Byandrew Curry, science.org, 27 Feb. 2025 The changes are etched into the cells’ epigenome, the instructions that tell each cell to read specific genes that control their function, explains Ferdinand von Meyenn, who studies nutrition and metabolic epigenetics at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich. — Lori Youmshajekian, Scientific American, 26 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for epigenome

Word History

Etymology

epi- + genome, after epigenetic

First Known Use

1991, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of epigenome was in 1991

Rhymes for epigenome

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Browse Nearby Words

epigenite
epigenome
epigenomic
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Cite this Entry

“Epigenome.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/epigenome. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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