mutation

mutation — noun

1. a biological process that permanently alters the DNA sequence inside a cell, oft

1.nounB2
Definition

a biological process that permanently alters the DNA sequence inside a cell, often creating new or changed traits in a living thing

Example

A mutation in the BRCA1 gene raises the risk of developing breast cancer.

mutation in [gene] + raises risk of [disease]

The research team studied how UV radiation causes genetic mutation in rice crops.

cause + genetic mutation in [organism]

Common collocations
  • genetic mutation
  • gene mutation
  • point mutation
  • mutation rate
  • beneficial mutation
  • harmful mutation
  • random mutation
  • mutation occurs
  • cause a mutation
Synonyms

Grammar Patterns

mutation in [gene/organism]

cause/undergo mutation

Usage Note

Countable when referring to a specific instance (a mutation in the gene); uncountable when discussing the general process (mutation occurs constantly). Subject is often a gene, organism, or environmental factor (radiation, chemicals).

Common Mistakes

The mutation in her hair colour came from her mother.
The variation in her hair colour came from her mother.
Mutation implies a new, permanent DNA-level change; ordinary inherited differences are called variations.

2. a living thing whose DNA has undergone a permanent change, or a body feature tha

2.nounB2
Definition

a living thing whose DNA has undergone a permanent change, or a body feature that appeared as a result of such a change

Example

The white peacock at the city zoo was a rare genetic mutation.

describing an organism as a mutation

Farmers selected this mutation of wheat because it naturally resists fungus.

Common collocations
  • rare mutation
  • natural mutation
  • genetic mutation
  • a mutation of
Synonyms
  • mutant

    more common in science fiction and popular culture; slightly informal in biological writing

  • variant

    broader; includes non-genetic differences

  • sport

    technical term in botany for a naturally mutated plant

Grammar Patterns

be/become a mutation

a mutation of [species]

Usage Note

Unlike sense 1 (the process), this sense refers to the result — the changed organism or the trait itself. Often used with 'of' to specify the original species: a mutation of the common fruit fly.

Common Mistakes

That rabbit with white fur is a mutation from the wild.
That rabbit with white fur is a mutation of the wild type.
Use 'mutation of' to specify the original form, not 'mutation from.'

3. a major change in the shape, structure, or character of something that is not a

3.nounC1
Definition

a major change in the shape, structure, or character of something that is not a living thing

Example

The English language underwent a significant mutation after the Norman invasion.

undergo a mutation — for abstract change

Sofie noticed a mutation in the company's office culture after the new director arrived.

Common collocations
  • undergo a mutation
  • mutation in
Synonyms
  • transformation

    suggests a more complete change of form; often positive

  • shift

    less dramatic; can be small or large

  • alteration

    less formal; can be minor or reversible

Antonyms

Grammar Patterns

undergo a mutation

mutation in [system/structure]

Usage Note

This sense is formal and metaphorical. It describes a more dramatic and fundamental shift than ordinary words like 'change' or 'alteration.' Do not use it for everyday minor adjustments. Distinguish from sense 1 (biological process) — this sense applies only to non-biological subjects.

Word family

  • mutate
    verbB2
  • mutant
    adjectiveB2
  • mutant
    nounB2
  • mutability
    nounC1
  • immutable
    adjectiveC1
  • mutational
    adjectiveC1

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

Mutation, variation, modification, and genetic alteration all describe changes to an organism, but with important differences. Mutation specifically refers to a permanent change in the DNA sequence itself — the molecule-level blueprint. Variation is a broader term covering any observable difference between individuals, whether caused by mutation, normal inheritance, or environment. Modification is the most general: it can be intentional (scientists modifying a gene) or environmental (a plant modified by drought). Genetic alteration is the most clinical and specific, often used in medical contexts like gene therapy. For example: 'The patient's DNA showed a mutation in the CFTR gene' (a concrete DNA change) vs. 'There is wide variation in human eye colour' (normal diversity, not necessarily a new mutation).

mutation ↗variation ↗modification ↗genetic alteration

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • undergo a mutation
  • carry a mutation
  • result from a mutation

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

Mutation comes from Latin mutatio, meaning 'a change or exchange,' from the verb mutare ('to change'). It entered English in the 1300s through French and was first used for political and social shifts. The modern biological meaning — a permanent change in genetic material — emerged in the late 1800s as scientists like Hugo de Vries studied inherited variations in plants.