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
According to evolutionary molecular biologist Henry Niman, in each case, there is a signature mutation on one segment of the virus — a switch at position 52 on the NP protein — in both the food samples and dead animals, providing an unmistakable link between them.
—Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 18 Jan. 2025
Experts have warned that the possibility of mutations in the virus could enable person-to-person transmission.
—Melissa Rudy, Fox News, 12 Jan. 2025
Researchers believe these mutations likely emerged in the patients themselves rather than circulating in the environment, the Los Angeles Times reported.
—Amanda Castro, Newsweek, 1 Jan. 2025
Experts say the mutation also isn't enough to allow for person-to-person transmission.
—Katherine Hignett, Forbes, 28 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for mutation 
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Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 18 Jan. 2025
Experts have warned that the possibility of mutations in the virus could enable person-to-person transmission.
—Melissa Rudy, Fox News, 12 Jan. 2025
Researchers believe these mutations likely emerged in the patients themselves rather than circulating in the environment, the Los Angeles Times reported.
—Amanda Castro, Newsweek, 1 Jan. 2025
Experts say the mutation also isn't enough to allow for person-to-person transmission.
—Katherine Hignett, Forbes, 28 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 2 Feb. 2025.
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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