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

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

To get a more accurate genetic indicator of cancer risk, my mother encouraged me to get my DNA tested for the BRCA1 gene mutation. —Zachary Bernstein, Los Angeles Times, 17 Mar. 2026

In the hereditary form of the disease, a gene mutation can be passed from parent to child, making genetic counseling and family conversations an important next step. —Md Published, Verywell Health, 10 Mar. 2026

Anywhere from 5% to 10% of breast cancers are due to inheriting harmful gene mutations, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. —Miriam Fauzia, Dallas Morning News, 10 Feb. 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