Meaning & use
mutation
A permanent change in an organism's genetic material that can be passed on to offspring.
See it in a sentence
A random mutation gave the beetle population a slightly darker shell color.
Scientists traced the disease to a single mutation in one gene.
A note on using this word
In biology, mutation is a neutral term; it does not necessarily mean harmful, though it is often used loosely for negative changes.
Words with a similar meaning
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Another way to use it
2. noun
A significant and unexpected change in the form or nature of something.
The startup is really a mutation of an old idea in retail delivery.
Make it your own
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