epigenome

ep·i·ge·nome
E1P3I1G2E1N1O1M3E1
/ˌɛpɪˈd͡ʒiːnoʊm/

noun

The total epigenetic state of a cell.

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Meanings

nounepigenome (plural epigenomes)

plural epigenomes

  1. biologyThe total epigenetic state of a cell.

    It is now possible to define whole epigenomes, representing the totality of epigenetic marks in a given cell type. Epigenetic processes are essential for packaging and interpreting the genome, are fundamental to normal development and are increasingly recognized as being involved in human disease.

    2008 August 7, The American Association for Cancer Research Human Epigenome Task Force; European Union, Network of Excellence, Scientific Advisory Board, “Moving AHEAD with an international human epigenome project”, in Nature, volume 454, →DOI, page 711
  2. biologyA chemical responsible for the activation of a particular gene.

Origin

From epi- + genome.

Full word history & related roots →
Cite this entry
APA

epigenome. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 3, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/epigenome

MLA

“epigenome.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/epigenome. Accessed November 3, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “epigenome,” accessed November 3, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/epigenome.

Source: epigenome on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.