verb

mutate

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verb

To change or cause to change due to a mutation.

"The virus mutated rapidly as it spread between hosts."

"Over generations, the gene mutated into several distinct forms."

How to Use Mutate

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo change genetically, or more loosely, to transform into something different.

Common pairings

mutate into the virus mutated

mutated past tense, mutates singular

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The virus _____ rapidly as it spread between hosts.

First recorded in the late 18th century as a back-formation from "mutation," ultimately from Latin mutare, "to change."

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