mutation

noun

Save Word

mu·ta·tion | \ myü-ˈtā-shən

Definition of mutation

1 : a significant and basic alteration : change

2 : umlaut

3a : a relatively permanent change in hereditary material that involves either a change in chromosome structure or number (as in translocation, deletion, duplication, or polyploidy) or a change in the nucleotide sequence of a gene's codons (as in frameshift or missense errors) and that occurs either in germ cells or in somatic cells but with only those in germ cells being capable of perpetuation by sexual reproduction Mutations known to cause disease have been identified in approximately 1000 genes.— Alan E. Guttmacher and Francis S. Collins also : the process of producing a mutation Microorganisms have been used extensively to study mutation … — George A. Wistreich et al.

b : an individual, strain, or trait resulting from mutation The worst E. coli bacterium, E. coli 0157:H, a mutation discovered in 1982 that has at least sixty-two subtypes, causes hemorrhagic colitis …— Wayne Biddle

Other Words from mutation More Example Sentences Phrases Containing mutation Learn More About mutation

Examples of mutation in a Sentence

The cat's short tail is the result of mutation. The condition is caused by a genetic mutation. The building is a mutation of the original design.

Recent Examples on the Web For most of us, this was how the crisis was viewed - from the abstraction of space, a mutation of the map. — Henry Wismayer, Anchorage Daily News, 30 Aug. 2022 For most of us, this was how the crisis was viewed — from the abstraction of space, a mutation of the map. — Henry Wismayer, Washington Post, 29 Aug. 2022 Nearly two-and-a-half years into the COVID pandemic, President Biden is experiencing what millions of Americans have gone through, a bout of what may be the latest mutation of COVID. — CBS News, 24 July 2022 One condition, sickle cell anemia, is a mutation that occurs in people affected by malaria, which is more prominent in climates with heavy rainfall. — Wired, 14 July 2022 That is a genetic mutation causing varying amounts of white hair. — Mary Colurso | Mcolurso@al.com, al, 16 Nov. 2021 Having the mutation means HIV can’t latch onto cells, giving natural resistance. — Grace Browne, WIRED, 12 Sep. 2022 If the disease killed the animal, would doctors feel obligated to prescribe medication for a child with the same mutation even before symptoms emerged? — Amy Dockser Marcus, WSJ, 6 Sep. 2022 But a new study has offered a radically different theory, arguing that side effects such as gas, bloating and intestinal cramps weren’t enough on their own to move the evolutionary needle on the genetic mutation. — Rachel Pannett, Washington Post, 28 July 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'mutation.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Buying Guide

Our Reviews team has selected the best dna test kits.

Learn More About mutation

Dictionary Entries Near mutation

mutate

mutation

mutation plural

Statistics for mutation

Last Updated

28 Sep 2022

Cite this Entry

“Mutation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mutation. Accessed 3 Oct. 2022.

Style: MLA

MLA

Chicago

APA

Merriam-Webster Check Mark Icon

More Definitions for mutation

mutation

noun

mu·ta·tion | \ myü-ˈtā-shən

Kids Definition of mutation

: a change in a gene or the resulting new trait it produces in an individual

mutation

noun

mu·ta·tion | \ myü-ˈtā-shən

Medical Definition of mutation

1 : a relatively permanent change in hereditary material that involves either a change in chromosome structure or number (as in translocation, deletion, duplication, or polyploidy) or a change in the nucleotide sequence of a gene's codons (as in frameshift or missense errors) and occurs either in germ cells or in somatic cells but with only those in germ cells being capable of perpetuation by sexual reproduction also : the process of producing a mutation

2 : an individual, strain, or trait resulting from mutation

Other Words from mutation

mutational \ -shnəl, -shən-ᵊl

\ adjective

mutationally \ -ē

\ adverb