mutagenicity

noun

mu·​ta·​ge·​nic·​i·​ty ˌmyü-tə-jə-ˈni-sə-tē How to pronounce mutagenicity (audio)
: the capacity to induce mutations

Examples of mutagenicity in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Aqueous faecal extracts were prepared and assayed for auxotrophic growth-enhancement and bacterial mutagenicity (using fluctuation tests with Salmonella typhimurium TA100 and Escherichia coli WP2uvrApKM101). Ncbi Rofl, Discover Magazine, 8 Oct. 2012 However, there was no significant difference in mutagenicity between normal and high-fat samples. Ncbi Rofl, Discover Magazine, 8 Oct. 2012 The study on mutagenicity of the molnupiravir metabolite in the Journal of Infectious Diseases earlier this year also tested favipirivir. William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 2 Nov. 2021 Molnupiravir has been tested for mutagenicity in animals before being moved to human trials, where it is being tested for safety. William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 2 Nov. 2021 Mills says most virologists had despaired of it ever finding a real use—in part because of mutagenicity issues that researchers have seen in analyses and trials over the years. Adam Rogers, Wired, 19 Nov. 2021 The first is the drug’s potential mutagenicity, and the possibility that its use could lead to birth defects or cancerous tumors. William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2021 Merck has also addressed the mutagenicity concerns from last year, conducting separate trials on animals to determine the risks. Chris Smith, BGR, 8 Mar. 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'mutagenicity.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1947, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of mutagenicity was in 1947

Dictionary Entries Near mutagenicity

Cite this Entry

“Mutagenicity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mutagenicity. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

mutagenicity

noun
mu·​ta·​ge·​nic·​i·​ty -jə-ˈnis-ət-ē How to pronounce mutagenicity (audio)
plural mutagenicities
: the capacity to induce mutations
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!