noun

mutation

/mjuːˈteɪʃən/ · say it: myoo·TAY·shun

a change in the genetic material of an organism

In Science & Nature

In more detail

1. (noun) a change in the genes of a living thing, which can be passed on to its offspring

2. (noun) any significant change or alteration in something

Examples

1. The mutation in the DNA caused the disease to run in the family.
2. The mutation of the company's business strategy led to new products.

How to use mutation

Mutation is most commonly used in biology and genetics to refer to changes in DNA that can be inherited. More broadly, it describes any significant change or shift in something, though this general sense is less frequent. The word is neutral and technical in scientific contexts but can be used metaphorically in everyday speech.

Common phrases

genetic mutation
spontaneous mutation
harmful mutation
beneficial mutation
mutation rate
undergo a mutation

Synonyms

genetic change · alteration · modification · transformation · variation

Word family

mutate (verb) · mutant (noun/adjective) · mutational (adjective)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse mutation with evolution; mutation is the mechanism by which genetic variation occurs, while evolution is the process by which populations change over time through natural selection.

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