mutation
mutation Lexical Profile
mutation Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A permanent alteration in the nucleotide sequence of an organism's DNA or RNA, or a distinct physical characteristic or organism resulting from such a genetic change.
"The researchers identified a specific genetic mutation that gives certain plants resistance to severe drought."
The action or process of changing, or a significant transformation in form, structure, or nature.
"Over several decades, the neighborhood underwent a gradual mutation from an industrial warehouse district into a vibrant arts hub."
In linguistics, a regular change in the quality of a vowel or consonant sound caused by the phonetic or grammatical environment, such as Germanic umlaut or Celtic consonant gradation.
"In Welsh grammar, initial consonant mutation occurs after certain prepositions and possessive pronouns."
• Rhymes for mutation
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the late 14th century from Old French mutation, from Latin mutationem ('a changing, alteration'), a noun of action from the past participle stem of mutare ('to change'). The biological sense of a heritable genetic alteration was introduced by Dutch botanist Hugo de Vries in 1901.