Mutant
/ˈmjuːtənt/
Definitions
2 meaningsAn organism or a cell in which a genetic mutation has occurred, leading to a change in its characteristics.
/ˈmjuːtənt/
An organism or cell that has undergone a mutation.
The scientists discovered a new mutant strain of the virus.
💡 Simply: Imagine a superhero who got their powers because something in their body changed unexpectedly. That 'something' is a mutant - a creature changed from the original blueprint.
👶 For kids: A mutant is an animal or plant that's different from its parents because something changed in its body.
More Examples
The superhero was a mutant with the ability to control fire.
Many of the lab rats were observed to develop into mutants.
How It's Used
"Researchers studied the mutant strains of bacteria to understand their antibiotic resistance."
"The comic book series features a team of mutants with extraordinary abilities."
Resulting from or characterized by mutation; altered in form or function as a result of a genetic change.
/ˈmjuːtənt/
Resulting from or showing the effect of mutation.
The scientist studied mutant cells under a microscope.
💡 Simply: Think of a cookie recipe. If you accidentally use too much sugar, the cookie becomes a 'mutant cookie' - it has a different characteristic because something changed.
👶 For kids: If something is mutant, it means it's different because something changed it.
More Examples
The film depicts mutant creatures in a post-apocalyptic world.
The research looked for mutant genes that might cause illness.
How It's Used
"The researchers identified the mutant gene responsible for the disease."
"The story focuses on the mutant abilities of the characters."
Idioms & expressions
genetic mutant
A mutant organism or cell whose altered traits are caused by changes in its genetic makeup.
"The discovery of a genetic mutant that was resistant to a new insecticide had significant implications for pest control."
From Latin *mūtāns*, present participle of *mūtāre* ('to change'). The scientific sense developed in the 20th century, particularly with genetics.
The word 'mutant' was used in the late 19th century, but its modern scientific meaning didn't emerge until the early 20th century with advances in genetics.
Memory tip
Think of X-Men! A 'mutant' is a being changed by genetic accidents.
Word Origin
"changing"