mutation

noun mu·ta·tion \ myü-ˈtā-shən \

Updated on: 19 May 2018

Definition of mutation

1 : a significant and basic alteration : change

2 : umlaut

3 a : 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

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mutational

play \-shnəl, -shə-nᵊl\ adjective

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mutationally

adverb

See mutation defined for English-language learners

See mutation defined for kids

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

Recent Examples of mutation from the Web

As my Vox colleague Eliza Barclay reported last year, scientists have already made major breakthroughs in gene editing technology, tinkering with embryos to repair DNA and help fend off disease-causing mutations.

— sean illing, Vox, "Chasing Captain America: why superhumans may not be that far away," 27 Apr. 2018
Earliest this year, researchers showed that CRISPR can detect Zika, dengue, and the HPV virus, as well as harmful bacteria and cancer mutations, in human blood, urine, and saliva.

— alessandra potenza, The Verge, "This company is making an at-home CRISPR kit to find out what’s making you sick," 26 Apr. 2018
Dravet syndrome is a very rare and often deadly form of epilepsy caused by a genetic mutation.

— NBC News, "FDA committee recommends first CBD oil product," 19 Apr. 2018
That means the virus should have a harder time evading it by mutation.

— bradley j. fikes, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Overlooked antibodies play star role in fighting flu, Scripps Research-led study finds," 6 Apr. 2018
The cirrhosis was thought to be caused by a rare genetic mutation shared by the brothers, their mother said.

— mark lieber, CNN, "Liver transplant saves one teen, but identical twin dies," 23 Mar. 2018
Everyone agrees the now-probable finch is probably white because of leucism (or leukism), a plumage condition caused by a genetic mutation.

— lee roop, AL.com, "It's not a yellow cardinal, but you might see this rare bird in your yard," 23 Mar. 2018
In December, the Food and Drug Administration approved Luxturna, often called the first true gene therapy, which can improve sight for people like Creed whose condition is caused by a specific genetic mutation.

— kate sheridan, Newsweek, "Blind Boy Might Be Able to See Again After New Breakthrough Gene Therapy Surgery," 21 Mar. 2018
Both were diagnosed with a deadly disease: stage 4 cirrhosis of the liver, caused by a genetic mutation, WFMY reported.

— crystal hill, miamiherald, "Twins were diagnosed with deadly liver disease. But only one will live, family says | Miami Herald," 19 Mar. 2018

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.

First Known Use of mutation

14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

Other Genetics Terms

chimera, hermaphrodite, plasticity

MUTATION Defined for Kids

mutation

noun mu·ta·tion \ myü-ˈtā-shən \

Definition of mutation for Students

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

Medical Dictionary

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

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