1. Plural of epigenist; scientists or scholars who study or support epigenesis, the theory that organisms develop from undifferentiated material through gradual differentiation.
Usage: historical/scientific; often used in historical contexts when discussing early developmental biology
2. Researchers who study epigenetics, the study of how genes are expressed and regulated without changes to the underlying DNA sequence.
Usage: modern scientific usage

Examples

• Early epigenists challenged the preformationist view that organisms were fully formed in miniature.
• Modern epigenists investigate how environmental factors influence gene expression.
• The epigenists discovered that identical twins can develop different traits due to epigenetic modifications.
• Contemporary epigenists use advanced molecular techniques to study DNA methylation patterns.
• Epigenists have shown that lifestyle choices can affect which genes are activated or silenced.