# mutation

/mjuˈteɪʃən/ (US) · /mjuːtˈeɪʃən/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. genetic change

noun · CEFR B2

a change in the genetic material of a living thing that can cause it to have different physical features.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. general change

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

the act or process of changing into a different form.

For teachers: 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.

### 3. linguistic sound change

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

a change in the sound of a word, often the first letter, depending on the words around it.

For teachers: 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.

### 4. transfer of property

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical · Formal

the official process of changing the name of a property owner in government records.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The mutation caused the flower to turn blue.
- Scientists are studying the genetic mutation that allows some people to see more colors than others.
- While many genetic mutations are neutral or even harmful, some provide a survival advantage that eventually spreads through a population via natural selection.

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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.