genetic mutation

noun

plural genetic mutations

: a permanent alteration in the nucleotide sequence of one or more genes or in the number or structure of one or more chromosomes

Lacking working copies of the p53 gene, cells can begin to divide without check, though several other genetic mutations are thought to be needed to foster a full-blown malignancy.

—Natalie Angier

Examples of genetic mutation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Huntington’s disease is a fatal neurodegenerative disease caused by a single genetic mutation, UCL said. —Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 25 Sep. 2025

Terwedo is in the process of getting genetic testing for her three children, in the hopes of helping researchers isolate the genetic mutations that contribute to autism. —Fortesa Latifi, Rolling Stone, 25 Sep. 2025

The encouraging news is that less than 2% of genetic mutations fully guarantee disease. —Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025

In a Swedish study, a low dose of aspirin was shown to slash recurrence in half for patients with colon and rectal cancer whose tumors had a specific type of genetic mutation. —Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 18 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1915, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for genetic mutation

• acclimatisation
• acclimatization
• acidification
• actualization
• annualization
• autocorrelation
• autoregulation
• beatification
• beneficiation
• biodegradation
• biotransformation
• bureaucratization

Medical Definition

genetic mutation

noun

: a permanent alteration in the nucleotide sequence of one or more genes or in the number or structure of one or more chromosomes

Gaucher's disease results from one of many genetic mutations that can either slow or prevent the breakdown of certain glycolipids, which accumulate in storage vesicles and eventually kill cells.

—Joseph Alper