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

About half of the patients in the study underwent genetic testing, which revealed a handful of genetic mutations that can raise the risk of cancer. — Kaitlin Sullivan, NBC news, 2 Oct. 2026

Age, family history, inherited genetic mutations, breast density and other factors can influence when screening should begin and which imaging tools may be most appropriate. — Baptist Health, Miami Herald, 30 Sep. 2026

Fertility has also collapsed for reasons no one understands—maybe an unknown disease, maybe environmental toxins, maybe a genetic mutation. — Kathryn Schulz, New Yorker, 21 Sep. 2026

Further genetic evaluation confirmed CVID along with related genetic mutations. — Lily Brown, PEOPLE, 15 Sep. 2026

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