-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
gene mutation
noun
plural gene mutations
: a permanent alteration (as by point mutation or frameshift mutation) in the nucleotide sequence of a gene
Researchers have identified a gene mutation that's believed to predispose people to malignant melanoma, the deadliest and most aggressive type of skin cancer.—Health News
compare point mutation
Examples of gene mutation in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Scientists developed drugs called PARP inhibitors that treat cancers stemming from the BRCA gene mutations such as breast and ovarian cancer.
—David Oliver, USA TODAY, 18 Dec. 2024
Tree shrews have a gene mutation that bolsters their tolerance towards spicy foods, an adaptation that gives them a distinct advantage to consuming plants in their habitat, according to Luqman Javed, an in-house veterinarian for PangoVet.
—Amiah Taylor, Discover Magazine, 13 Nov. 2024
From there, your doctor may do a workup to check for the gene mutation linked with mastocytosis (primary MCAS) or a severe underlying allergy (secondary MCAS).
—Erica Sloan, SELF, 3 Dec. 2024
Gene abnormalities: Genetic testing on myeloma cells can help identify abnormalities like gene mutations (changes) associated with more aggressive multiple myeloma.
—Lindsay Curtis, Health, 1 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for gene mutation
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.
Word History
First Known Use
1904, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near gene mutation
Cite this Entry
“Gene mutation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gene%20mutation. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.
Kids Definition
gene mutation
noun
: mutation due to a chemical change in a gene
Medical Definition
gene mutation
noun
: a permanent alteration (as a point mutation or frameshift mutation) in the nucleotide sequence of a gene
… there is a 50 percent chance each offspring will inherit the gene mutation and may develop the disease.—Fred Cicetti
In early August the team published a study in Nature that chronicled how a single gene mutation in a laboratory strain of Escherichia coli could create a bacterium resistant to triclosan …—Gary Stix
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share