The article presents an operational definition of epigenetics, emphasizing the stable heritability of a phenotype without DNA sequence changes. It outlines three key components of the epigenetic process: the Epigenator, the Epigenetic Initiator, and the Epigenetic Maintainer. The Epigenator is an environmental signal that triggers an intracellular pathway leading to the activation of the Initiator. The Initiator translates this signal to establish a chromatin context at a specific location, requiring self-reinforcement. The Maintainer sustains the chromatin environment, involving pathways like DNA methylation, histone modifications, and histone variants. While histone modifications can function as Maintainers, not all are epigenetic. Examples of Epigenators, Initiators, and Maintainers are provided, such as environmental cues, noncoding RNA, and histone deacetylation complexes. The article highlights the importance of epigenetic processes in gene regulation, genomic stability, and disease. It notes that epigenetic reprogramming of differentiated cells has medical significance. The meeting aimed to clarify the definition of epigenetics, emphasizing its role in precise and stable gene expression control across generations. The discussion underscores the complexity of epigenetic mechanisms and their implications for health and disease. The authors conclude that defining epigenetics is crucial for advancing research in this rapidly evolving field.The article presents an operational definition of epigenetics, emphasizing the stable heritability of a phenotype without DNA sequence changes. It outlines three key components of the epigenetic process: the Epigenator, the Epigenetic Initiator, and the Epigenetic Maintainer. The Epigenator is an environmental signal that triggers an intracellular pathway leading to the activation of the Initiator. The Initiator translates this signal to establish a chromatin context at a specific location, requiring self-reinforcement. The Maintainer sustains the chromatin environment, involving pathways like DNA methylation, histone modifications, and histone variants. While histone modifications can function as Maintainers, not all are epigenetic. Examples of Epigenators, Initiators, and Maintainers are provided, such as environmental cues, noncoding RNA, and histone deacetylation complexes. The article highlights the importance of epigenetic processes in gene regulation, genomic stability, and disease. It notes that epigenetic reprogramming of differentiated cells has medical significance. The meeting aimed to clarify the definition of epigenetics, emphasizing its role in precise and stable gene expression control across generations. The discussion underscores the complexity of epigenetic mechanisms and their implications for health and disease. The authors conclude that defining epigenetics is crucial for advancing research in this rapidly evolving field.