Describing a gene or genetic interaction that suppresses or masks the expression of another gene, creating unexpected inherited traits.
Derived from 'epistasy,' following the Greek roots 'epi' (upon) + 'stasis' (standing); became a standard genetics term in the 20th century.
When scientists discovered that some genes could hide others like genetic bullies, they called it epistatic—it revolutionized how we understand why siblings with the same genes can look quite different.
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