The article provides an operational definition of epigenetics, defining it as "an epigenetic trait is a stably heritable phenotype resulting from changes in a chromosome without alterations in the DNA sequence." The authors propose three categories of signals that contribute to the establishment and maintenance of epigenetic states: Epigenators, Epigenetic Initiators, and Epigenetic Maintainers. Epigenators are environmental signals that trigger intracellular pathways, Initiators mediate the precise chromatin environment, and Maintainers sustain this environment across generations. The article also discusses specific examples of each category and emphasizes the importance of understanding the mechanisms involved in epigenetic processes, which are crucial for gene expression and genomic regulation. The meeting discussed at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory aimed to provide clarity and focus to the growing field of epigenetics.The article provides an operational definition of epigenetics, defining it as "an epigenetic trait is a stably heritable phenotype resulting from changes in a chromosome without alterations in the DNA sequence." The authors propose three categories of signals that contribute to the establishment and maintenance of epigenetic states: Epigenators, Epigenetic Initiators, and Epigenetic Maintainers. Epigenators are environmental signals that trigger intracellular pathways, Initiators mediate the precise chromatin environment, and Maintainers sustain this environment across generations. The article also discusses specific examples of each category and emphasizes the importance of understanding the mechanisms involved in epigenetic processes, which are crucial for gene expression and genomic regulation. The meeting discussed at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory aimed to provide clarity and focus to the growing field of epigenetics.