mutation
UK: mjuːˈteɪʃən | US: mjuːˈteɪʃən
n. a change in the structure of a gene or chromosome, resulting in a variant form
n. the process by which such a change occurs
n. (general) any significant alteration or transformation
The word "mutation" originates from the Latin mutare (to change), combined with the suffix -tion, which forms nouns denoting action or condition. The root mutate reflects the core idea of transformation, while -ion solidifies it as a process or result. Initially used in biological contexts to describe genetic changes, its meaning has expanded to include broader concepts of alteration in fields like linguistics, technology, and culture.
The scientist studied the genetic mutation responsible for the rare disease.
Languages undergo constant mutation over centuries.
The virus's rapid mutation made vaccine development challenging.
Cultural mutations often arise from globalization.
A sudden mutation in the experiment's results puzzled the researchers.