mutation
noun
mu·ta·tion
myü-ˈtā-shən 
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
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.
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
Wayne Biddle
mutationally
adverb
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
Although there are no confirmed person-to-person infections so far, Susanne recently reported on research that indicates the strain currently affecting dairy cows is one mutation away from becoming easily transmitted between humans.
—Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 19 Dec. 2024
Bridge RNAs Represent the Next Generation of Gene Editing
While CRISPR promises to revolutionize the treatment of rare diseases caused by mutations in a single gene, experts are already pioneering gene editing’s next frontier.
—Juergen Eckhardt, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024
The virus in the South Dakota cats was also found to have mutations unique to the cats, meaning that the virus is capable of adapting to new hosts.
—Stephan Pechdimaldji, Newsweek, 13 Dec. 2024
The infected have undergone terrifying mutations and expose the depths of humanity’s struggle to endure.
—Tiffany Acosta, The Arizona Republic, 10 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for mutation 
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 19 Dec. 2024
Bridge RNAs Represent the Next Generation of Gene Editing
While CRISPR promises to revolutionize the treatment of rare diseases caused by mutations in a single gene, experts are already pioneering gene editing’s next frontier.
—Juergen Eckhardt, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024
The virus in the South Dakota cats was also found to have mutations unique to the cats, meaning that the virus is capable of adapting to new hosts.
—Stephan Pechdimaldji, Newsweek, 13 Dec. 2024
The infected have undergone terrifying mutations and expose the depths of humanity’s struggle to endure.
—Tiffany Acosta, The Arizona Republic, 10 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for mutation
Dictionary Entries Near mutation
Cite this Entry
“Mutation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mutation. Accessed 28 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
mutation
noun
mu·ta·tion
myü-ˈtā-shən
1
: a basic and important change
2
a
: a permanent change in hereditary material involving either a change in the position of the genes on the chromosomes or a basic change in the chemical structure of a gene
also
: the process of producing a mutation
b
: an individual, strain, or trait resulting from mutation
Medical Definition
mutation
noun
mu·ta·tion
myü-ˈtā-shən
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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