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Glite Dictionary
🧬 Gene changes (not DNA) ⛏️ Formed after rock
epigenetic

epigenetic

8.8
Made in rock after the rock formed
  • adjective
  • /ˌɛpɪdʒəˈnɛtɪk/
  • Specialized
translation icon : epigenético
  • Geologists distinguish between syngenetic and epigenetic mineral formations when studying ore deposits.

Examples

  • The epigenetic gold veins were deposited long after the host rock solidified.

  • The presence of epigenetic minerals can reveal important information about a region's geological history.

  • The epigenetic processes in geology can reveal much about the Earth's history.

  • Scientists study epigenetic changes in mineral deposits.

  • Geologists distinguish between syngenetic and epigenetic mineral formations when studying ore deposits.

  • The epigenetic gold veins were deposited long after the host rock solidified.

  • The presence of epigenetic minerals can reveal important information about a region's geological history.

Synonyms

metasomatic
vsepigenetic
  • Specialized
9.9

A rock that changes when hot mineral fluids pass through it

refers to features formed after surrounding rock exists rather than the chemical process itself
epigene
vsepigenetic
  • Specialized
9.9

Made at the earth's surface by wind and water

forms after surrounding rock exists and can occur below the surface

Surface Forms

epigenetic positive

Morphology

epigenetic = genetic (semi-transparent) = epi + genet + ic

Morphologically composed of 'epi-' + 'genet' + '-ic', but the geological meaning ('formed after the surrounding rock') is technical and the sense of 'epi-' as 'after/upon' is not widely known to general learners.

Etymology

Epigenetic comes from the parts epi- 'after' and -genetic 'origin' or 'birth'. So in geology, epigenetic describes a mineral or vein that formed 'after' the host rock was already made.