mutagenicadj.
/ˌmjuːtəˈdʒɛnɪk/, U.S. /ˌmjudəˈdʒɛnɪk/ Biology.
Causing or capable of causing genetic mutations; of or relating to mutagenesis.
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > biology > biological processes > genetic activity > [adjective] > changes or actions of genes or chromosomes > mutation > causing
mutagenic1946
1946 Proc. Royal Soc. Edinb. B. 62 211 Muller's classical discovery in 1927 of the mutagenic action of X-rays has provided an extremely useful tool for studying the nature of gene mutation and chromosome breakage.
1959 New Scientist 20 Aug. 219/1 Plant geneticists..now combine mutagenic radiations and chemicals with the classic techniques of plant breeding to produce novel plants.
1971 Nature 1 Oct. 296/3 Dr Mary Lyon..argued that the radiation from nuclear fall-out is likely to be less mutagenic than the medical use of X-rays.
1974 Times 11 Jan. 16/1 The ‘mutagenic’ effect of lead compounds.
1985 Brit. Med. Jrnl. 9 Nov. 1299/2 Controversy surrounds..mutagenic risks to hospital staff.
1998 X Files Jan. 45/3 He's wary of treatments, like radiation and chemotherapy, that are themselves mutagenic, but he has no qualms about recommending surgery.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2003; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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adj.1946