Relating to or formed by epigenesis; describing development that occurs gradually through the addition of new structures rather than unfolding of pre-existing ones.
From epi- (upon) + genesis (origin), with -ic suffix. Used in developmental biology since the 1600s to describe the theory of gradual development.
This adjective was crucial in settling one of science's fiercest debates—when scientists could actually observe embryos developing layer-by-layer under early microscopes, epigenic theory finally won out!
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