Definitions

1. verb

to undergo a sudden or unexplained change in genetic makeup, especially due to the action of a mutagen.

“The bacteria began to mutate and develop resistance to antibiotics.”

2. verb

to cause a change in the genetic makeup of a person, animal, or plant.

“The radiation exposure caused the cells to mutate and eventually led to cancer.”

3. noun

a change in the genetic makeup of a person, animal, or plant.

“The mutant gene was responsible for the child’s rare medical condition.”

4. noun

a variant of a gene or organism that has a different trait.

“The new species was a mutant of the original species.”