mutate

verb

mutated; mutating

transitive verb

: to cause to undergo mutation
mutative adjective

Examples of mutate in a Sentence

a disease that mutates genes in humans a group of mutated genes Over time, her feelings mutated from hatred into love. opera singers mutating into pop stars
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Biosecurity New Zealand believes laying hens foraging outside the shed were exposed to a low pathogenic virus from wild waterfowl, which can mutate on interaction with chickens. Matthew Brockett, Fortune Asia, 2 Dec. 2024 As a tumor begins, the cells start mutating more and more. Lisa Chase, Outside Online, 29 Nov. 2024 Oh, and this bunker is flooded with radiation that can mutate us. Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 26 Nov. 2024 The main issue has been a nagging outbreak of avian flu that farmers and health officials have had trouble containing due to its ability to mutate and infect animals. Austin Denean, Baltimore Sun, 23 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for mutate 

Word History

Etymology

Latin mutatus, past participle of mutare

First Known Use

1818, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of mutate was in 1818

Dictionary Entries Near mutate

Cite this Entry

“Mutate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mutate. Accessed 14 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

mutate

verb
mu·​tate ˈmyü-ˌtāt How to pronounce mutate (audio)
mutated; mutating
: to undergo or cause to undergo mutation

Medical Definition

mutate

verb
mutated; mutating

transitive verb

: to cause to undergo mutation
mutative adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on mutate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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