Definition

1. Verb:
   • To undergo a change in genetic structure: "mutate" refers to the process by which the genetic material (DNA or RNA) of a cell or virus changes, resulting in a new characteristic or trait.
   • To change or transform in form or nature: In a broader, often figurative sense, "mutate" can describe something undergoing a significant transformation.

Usage

• The verb "mutate" is typically used in biological and scientific contexts to describe genetic changes in organisms or viruses. It can also be used more generally to describe any profound or fundamental transformation.
• It is often used intransitively (e.g., "The virus mutated.") but can be used transitively in technical contexts (e.g., "The experiment mutated the gene.").

Examples

• Verb:
  • Over time, the influenza virus can mutate, making previous vaccines less effective.
  • The bacteria mutated and became resistant to the antibiotic.
  • In science fiction, radiation often causes creatures to mutate into monsters.
  • The artist's style continued to mutate throughout his career.

Advanced Usage

• "to mutate into": to change or transform into something else.
  • The peaceful protest began to mutate into a violent riot.
• Used in computing: to describe a change in data or code.
  • The computer virus is designed to mutate to avoid detection by antivirus software.

Variants and Related Words

• Mutation (n): the process or result of mutating; a genetic change.
  • The mutation gave the plant a unique color.
• Mutant (n/adj): (as a noun) an organism resulting from mutation; (as an adjective) resulting from or showing mutation.
  • The comic book features a team of mutants with special powers.

Synonyms

• Change: to make or become different.
• Transform: to change in form, appearance, or structure.
• Metamorphose: to change completely in form or nature.
• Evolve: to develop gradually, especially from a simple to a more complex form (note: evolution involves mutation as a mechanism).

Phrasal Verbs / Related Phrases

• Mutate into: (see Advanced Usage above).

Related Idioms

Verb

1. undergo mutation
   • cells mutate