mutate

verb

mutated; mutating

transitive verb

: to cause to undergo mutation
mutative adjective

Examples of mutate in a Sentence

a disease that mutates genes in humans a group of mutated genes Over time, her feelings mutated from hatred into love. opera singers mutating into pop stars
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The risk that the virus will mutate to spread easily between people is low, but experts say ongoing transmission in cows is worrisome. Evan Bush, NBC News, 22 Oct. 2024 However, officials fear that a cross-reaction of both influenza viruses in the body can cause bird flu to mutate to spread more easily or cause serious illness. Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY, 15 Oct. 2024 It’s also caused the bacteria to mutate to escape the immune response generated by the shots. Brenda Goodman, CNN, 20 Sep. 2024 But Sara remains fascinating for her impossible-to-predict decision-making process, which feels tonally right for a place that is constantly mutating. Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 19 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for mutate 

Word History

Etymology

Latin mutatus, past participle of mutare

First Known Use

1818, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of mutate was in 1818

Dictionary Entries Near mutate

Cite this Entry

“Mutate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mutate. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

mutate

verb
mu·​tate ˈmyü-ˌtāt How to pronounce mutate (audio)
mutated; mutating
: to undergo or cause to undergo mutation

Medical Definition

mutate

verb
mutated; mutating

transitive verb

: to cause to undergo mutation
mutative adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on mutate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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