gene mutation

noun

plural gene mutations

: a permanent alteration (as by point mutation or frameshift mutation) in the nucleotide sequence of a gene

Researchers have identified a gene mutation that's believed to predispose people to malignant melanoma, the deadliest and most aggressive type of skin cancer.

—Health News

compare point mutation

Examples of gene mutation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Most breast cancers arising from a BRCA2 gene mutation are estrogen receptor–positive/HER2-negative, the foundation notes. —Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 28 Apr. 2026

Most breast cancers that arise from a BRCA2 gene mutation are estrogen receptor–positive/HER2-negative. —Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 28 Apr. 2026

Scientists combined genome sequencing and cellular reprogramming to key in on which gene mutation is at fault for aging and cognitive deficits. —Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Apr. 2026

In some grass species shattering can be turned off by just one or two gene mutations. —Literary Hub, 25 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1904, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for gene mutation

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

Kids Definition

gene mutation

noun

: mutation due to a chemical change in a gene

Medical Definition

gene mutation

noun

: a permanent alteration (as a point mutation or frameshift mutation) in the nucleotide sequence of a gene

… there is a 50 percent chance each offspring will inherit the gene mutation and may develop the disease.

—Fred Cicetti

In early August the team published a study in Nature that chronicled how a single gene mutation in a laboratory strain of Escherichia coli could create a bacterium resistant to triclosan …

—Gary Stix