mutation

A change in the information inside genes that can pass to future generations.

• This mutation affects eye color.
• Some mutations pass from parents to children.
• Scientists found a mutation that protects against the disease.

How to use it: mutation in something (They found a mutation in the gene.)

Similar words: genetic change

Common phrases: genetic mutation, gene mutation, harmful mutation

A change in the form, nature, or character of something.

• The style underwent a gradual mutation.
• Each mutation of the tradition reflected a new generation.
• The book follows the mutation of a small club into a political movement.

How to use it: mutation of something into something (The essay describes the mutation of a protest into a movement.)

Similar words: change, transformation, alteration

Common phrases: cultural mutation, gradual mutation, mutation of something

A living thing produced by a change in its genes.

• The pale plant was a mutation.
• Only one mutation survived among the young fish.
• They bred the new mutation for its unusual leaf shape.

Similar words: mutant

Common phrases: a rare mutation, a new mutation