1. formed or produced on the surface of the earth; relating to processes that occur at or near the earth's surface
Usage: geology; technical
2. of or relating to mineral deposits formed by weathering and alteration of rocks at the earth's surface
Usage: geology; mineralogy; technical

Examples

• Epigenic processes such as erosion and oxidation gradually altered the exposed rock formations.
• The geologist identified epigenic mineral deposits that had formed through surface weathering.
• Epigenic alteration of the ore body occurred over millions of years.
• These epigenic features are characteristic of shallow crustal environments.
• The epigenic zone extends from the surface down to several hundred meters.