mutant

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   an organism, cell, gene, or other biological entity that carries a mutation

   The researchers compared the mutant with the normal wild-type strain.

2. 2
   adj

   resulting from or carrying a genetic mutation

   The mutant gene altered the shape of the insect's wings.

Appears in

Simplified etymology

Mutant entered English in the early 20th century and comes from the same root as Latin mutare, “to change.”

From Latin mutans, the present participle of mutare ("to change"). It entered biological use for an organism or trait changed by mutation.

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External links

• Google Images
• Cambridge Dictionary
• Wiktionary