mutate

verb
UK: /mjuːˈteɪt/
US: /ˈmjuːteɪt/

  1. To change something, often in a small but important way.

    1. Viruses can mutate quickly, making vaccines less effective.
    2. The DNA may mutate if it is exposed to radiation from the sun for too long.

  2. To change genetically; when a gene changes its structure.

    1. Cells mutate and become resistant to drugs.
    2. Certain bacteria mutate and can then thrive in extreme temperatures.

Synonyms

change transform alter modify evolve
mutate intransitive-verb

  1. To undergo or result in mutation.

    1. Some viruses mutate to become harmless.
    2. It is believed that some cancer cells will mutate from exposure to chemicals.
mutate transitive-verb

  1. To cause a change in the genetic structure of something.

    1. Radiation can mutate cells, leading to cancer.
    2. Scientists can mutate genes in order to study specific functions.

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "mutate" in English means: To change something, often in a small but important way., To change genetically; when a gene changes its structure..

The phonetic transcription of "mutate" is /mjuːˈteɪt/ in British English and /ˈmjuːteɪt/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "mutate": change, transform, alter, modify, evolve.

Example usage of "mutate": "Viruses can mutate quickly, making vaccines less effective.". More examples on the page.