1. A nonhereditary change in an organism; e.g., one that is acquired from its own activity or environment. 2. A chemical or structural alteration in a molecule.
- behavior m. the systematic use of principles of conditioning and learning, especially operant or instrumental conditioning, to teach certain skills or to extinguish undesirable behaviors, attitudes, or phobias.
- chemical m. alteration in the structure of a molecule, typically a macromolecule such as a protein, by chemical means; often, the covalent addition by some reagent.
- covalent m. alteration in the structure of a macromolecule by enzymatic means, resulting in a change in the properties of that macromolecule; frequently, this type of m. is physiologically relevant.
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mod·i·fi·ca·tion .mäd-ə-fə-'kā-shən n
1) the act or result of modifying something
2) a change in an organism that is not inherited and that is caused by the influence of its environment
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mod·i·fi·ca·tion (mod″ĭ-fĭ-kaґshən) the process or result of changing the form or characteristics of an object or substance.Medical dictionary. 2011.