mutate
verb /mjuːˈteɪt/
/ˈmjuːteɪt/
Verb Forms
| present simple I / you / we / they mutate | /mjuːˈteɪt/ /ˈmjuːteɪt/ |
| he / she / it mutates | /mjuːˈteɪts/ /ˈmjuːteɪts/ |
| past simple mutated | /mjuːˈteɪtɪd/ /ˈmjuːteɪtɪd/ |
| past participle mutated | /mjuːˈteɪtɪd/ /ˈmjuːteɪtɪd/ |
| -ing form mutating | /mjuːˈteɪtɪŋ/ /ˈmjuːteɪtɪŋ/ |
- [intransitive, transitive] (biology) to develop or make something develop a new form or structure, because of a genetic change
- mutate (into something) the ability of the virus to mutate into new forms
- mutate something mutated genes
Extra ExamplesTopics Biologyc2- Scientists have been able to replace the mutated gene with a normal one.
- We are studying the ability of the virus to mutate into new forms.
- [intransitive] mutate (into something) to change into a new form
- Rhythm and blues mutated into rock and roll.
- to mutate into a monster/a writhing, biting snake/rotting vegetation
Word Originearly 19th cent.: back-formation from mutation.