the act or process of mutating; change; alteration
2.
a change or alteration
3.
a change in the chromosomes or genes of a cell. When this change occurs in the gametes the structure and development of the resultant offspring may be affected
See also inversion (sense 11)
4. another word for mutant (sense 1)
5.
a physical characteristic of an individual resulting from this type of chromosomal change
6. phonetics
a. (in Germanic languages) another name for umlaut
b.
(in Celtic languages) a phonetic change in certain initial consonants caused by a preceding word
Derived forms
mutational (muˈtational)
adjective
mutationally (muˈtationally)
adverb
mutation in American English
(mjuˈteɪʃən)
noun
1.
a changing or being changed
2.
a change, as in form, nature, qualities, etc.
3. Biology
a.
a sudden variation in some inheritable characteristic in a germ cell of an individual animal or plant, as distinguished from a variation resulting from generations of gradual change
b.
an individual resulting from such variation; mutant
c.
an abrupt and relatively permanent change in somatic cells that is transmitted only to daughter cells and can be inherited only in plants that reproduce asexually
4. Linguistics
a.
umlaut (sense 1) umlaut (sense 1a)
b.
alternation of consonants under specific conditions, as in variations in the initial consonant of a word in Irish and other Celtic languages
Derived forms
mutational (muˈtational)
adjective
mutationally (muˈtationally)
adverb
Word origin
ME mutacioun < OFr mutacion < L mutatio < mutare, to change: see miss1
Examples of 'mutation' in a sentence
mutation
They say identifying the mutation may help new treatments.
The Sun (2008)
These mutations may make certain individuals more able to survive in a hostile environment than others.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
The condition is caused by a spontaneous genetic mutation.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
They found dental cavities can be caused by mutations in a protein that also causes hair loss.
The Sun (2015)
There is no scientific evidence to tell us what genetic mutations may be occurring inside their bodies.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
The results follow years of work on the genetic mutations that cause cancer.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Another potential benefit could be insights into spontaneous genetic mutations that cause disease and disability.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
All cancers are caused by mutations in individual genes.
The Sun (2010)
The aim is to use the genetic mutations that each of these organisms acquire to construct their family trees.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Cancer patients can now have their tumours tested for dozens of genetic mutations that affect which drugs are likely to work.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
Nobody can predict if the deadly mutation will occur, or when.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
Most of the resulting mutations may damage the plant, but a few could be beneficial.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
Sudden cardiac death Often caused by genetic mutation.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
The alterations that occur in the gene pool are the result of mutations that change the genes, but this is only the first step.
Wills, Christopher The Runaway Brain: the Evolution of Human Uniqueness (1993)
One in eight men with an advanced form of the disease had mutations in genes vital for repairing DNA, researchers found.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Synonyms of 'mutation'
anomaly, variation, deviant, freak of nature
change, variation, evolution, transformation
More Synonyms of mutation
1 (noun)
Definition
a physical characteristic in an organism resulting from this type of chromosomal change
Scientists have found a genetic mutation that causes the disease.
Synonyms
anomaly
variation
deviant (old-fashioned)
freak of nature
2 (noun)
Definition
a change in the chromosomes or genes of a cell which may affect the structure and development of the resultant offspring
the film's mutation from domestic drama into courtroom thriller
Synonyms
change
They are going to have to make some drastic changes.
variation
Every day without variation my grandfather ate a plate of ham.
evolution
transformation
the transformation of an attic room into a study
modification
Relatively minor modifications were required.
alteration
Her jacket and skirt were still awaiting alteration.
deviation
a clear example of deviation from the norm
metamorphosis
his metamorphosis from a republican to a democrat
transfiguration
Additional synonyms
in the sense of alteration
Definition
a change or modification
Her jacket and skirt were still awaiting alteration.
Synonyms
adjustment,
change,
amendment,
variation,
conversion,
transformation,
adaptation,
difference,
revision,
modification,
remodelling,
reformation,
diversification,
makeover,
metamorphosis,
variance,
reshaping,
transmutation
in the sense of deviation
a clear example of deviation from the norm
Synonyms
departure,
change,
variation,
shift,
alteration,
discrepancy,
inconsistency,
disparity,
aberration,
variance,
divergence,
fluctuation,
irregularity,
digression
in the sense of metamorphosis
Definition
a complete change of character or appearance
his metamorphosis from a republican to a democrat
Synonyms
transformation,
conversion,
alteration,
change,
mutation,
rebirth,
changeover,
transfiguration,
transmutation,
transubstantiation,
transmogrification (humorous)
Nearby words of
mutation
mutable
mutant
mutate
mutation
mute
muted
mutilate
Synonyms of 'mutation'
mutation
Explore 'mutation' in the dictionary
Additional synonyms
in the sense of modification
Relatively minor modifications were required.
Synonyms
change,
restriction,
variation,
qualification,
adjustment,
revision,
alteration,
mutation,
reformation,
refinement,
makeover,
modulation
in the sense of transformation
Definition
the act of transforming or the state of being transformed
the transformation of an attic room into a study
Synonyms
change,
conversion,
alteration,
metamorphosis,
transmutation,
renewal,
transmogrification (humorous)
in the sense of variation
Definition
a change in level, amount, or quantity
Every day without variation my grandfather ate a plate of ham.