ENGLISH
REFERENCE

mutant

n. countable
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈmjutənt// UK //mjˈuːtənt// mu·tant Informal

n. a living thing that has a different physical form because its genes have changed. In stories and movies, these characters often have special powers or look very strange.

n. an organism or genetic character arising from a permanent change in the DNA sequence. Often carries a negative or science-fiction connotation in general usage, though it is a neutral term in biological science.


SIMPLE

The movie is about a mutant with super strength.

CONTEXTUAL

Scientists discovered a mutant strain of the virus that was resistant to the new vaccine.

COMPLEX

In the fictional universe, the protagonist discovers he is a mutant whose unique genetic makeup allows him to manipulate electromagnetic fields at will.

Synonyms
Origin

From Latin mūtāns, present participle of mūtō. By surface analysis, muta- + -ant.

Usage

Commonly used as a modifier before other nouns, such as 'mutant gene' or 'mutant power'.

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