# mutant

/ˈmjutənt/ (US) · /mjˈuːtənt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/mutant
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. biology/science fiction

noun · CEFR B2

a plant, animal, or person that has different physical features because of a change in their genes.

For teachers: an organism or cell that has undergone a genetic mutation, resulting in a new trait or characteristic.

- In the movie, the hero was a mutant with the power to heal quickly.
- The researchers identified a mutant strain of the virus that was significantly more resistant to standard antiviral treatments.

Usage: Often used in science fiction to describe beings with superhuman powers.

### 2. strange person or thing

noun · CEFR C1 · Informal

someone or something that looks or acts very strange, weird, or abnormal.

For teachers: a person or object perceived as bizarre, abnormal, or socially deviant.

- He felt like a mutant standing there in his suit while everyone else wore beach clothes.
- The local press treated the avant-garde building like a mutant, claiming its jagged steel frame ruined the historic skyline.

Teaching tip: This sense can be offensive if used to describe a person's appearance; use with caution.

### 3. having mutated

adjective · CEFR B2

describing something that has changed or resulted from a genetic mutation.

For teachers: relating to, undergoing, or resulting from a genetic mutation; typically non-gradable.

- The scientists studied the mutant plants to see why they grew so tall.
- The mutant gene was passed down through several generations before the physical effects became apparent to the observers.

## Examples

- The movie is about a mutant with super strength.
- Scientists discovered a mutant strain of the virus that was resistant to the new vaccine.
- In the fictional universe, the protagonist discovers he is a mutant whose unique genetic makeup allows him to manipulate electromagnetic fields at will.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.