Word
mutation
Phoneticsmu·ta·tion, stress on the second syllable
US/mjuˈteɪʃən/
UK/mjuːtˈeɪʃən/
Definitions
01genetic change
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Science
n. a change in the genetic material of a living thing that can cause it to have different physical features.
n. a permanent alteration in the DNA sequence that makes up a gene, such that the sequence differs from what is found in most people.
“The scientist explained that the butterfly's unusual colour was caused by a genetic mutation.”
“Researchers identified a specific mutation in the protein-coding region that appears to grant the species a higher resistance to environmental toxins.”
Synonyms
02general change
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Formal
n. the act or process of changing into a different form.
n. the process of undergoing a significant change or transformation in form or nature.
“The mutation of the small village into a busy tourist town happened very quickly.”
“The rapid mutation of social norms in the digital age has left many traditional institutions struggling to adapt their communication strategies.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
03linguistic sound change
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Science Technical
n. a change in the sound of a word, often the first letter, depending on the words around it.
n. a change in a sound within a word, particularly an initial consonant, triggered by its morphological or syntactic environment.
“In the Welsh language, the first letter of a word often changes because of a mutation.”
“The professor illustrated how initial consonant mutation in Celtic languages serves a vital grammatical function, indicating the relationship between nouns and their preceding particles.”
Synonyms
04transfer of property
C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Law Technical · Formal
n. the official process of changing the name of a property owner in government records.
n. the recording of a transfer of title of an asset or property in a public register.
“You must apply for a mutation of the land records after you buy the house.”
“The legal department confirmed that the mutation of the property title had been successfully registered with the municipal authorities following the inheritance settlement.”
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“For example, Weghorn has previously shown that the starting points of genes are 35% more prone to mutations than other regions.” “The new drug targets mutations in the Ras gene family that normally regulates cell growth.” “The team found a mutation in one gene that turned off protein production in the counterclockwise version of the snail.” Etymology
Late 14th century as Middle English mutacioun, from Latin mūtātiō, both directly and via Old French mutacion.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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