What does mutant mean?
A mutant is an organism, cell, or gene that differs from the normal or wild type because it carries one or more genetic mutations. The word occurs widely in biology, where it may describe a naturally arising or deliberately produced variant, and it is also common in science fiction for characters with unusual anatomy, abilities, or origins. Although mutant often implies something abnormal, undesirable, or dangerous, mutations can also be beneficial and may contribute to adaptation and evolution. In everyday figurative use, the term can label someone as strange or outside accepted norms, but that application may be insulting because it echoes outdated attempts to classify human beings as biologically defective. In scientific contexts, mutant is concise and precise when the specific nature of the genetic change has already been established.
An organism, cell, or gene that differs from the normal or wild type because of one or more mutations.
"The mutant reproduced successfully in the laboratory."
In biological writing, the term usually assumes that the relevant mutation or mutations have been identified.
Characterized by a genetic mutation or by traits produced through mutation.
"Scientists detected an inactive mutant version of the gene."
This use is common in biological and science-fiction contexts; as a figurative description of a person, it may be derogatory.
The plural is used for multiple altered organisms, cells, genes, or fictional characters.
"The laboratory maintains several mutants with different resistance traits."
Not all mutations are harmful: a mutant gene may provide an advantage, which is why evolution depends on occasional changes like these.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does mutant come from?
Mutant comes through French from Latin mutant, the present participle of mutare, meaning “to change.” The same Latin root underlies English words such as mutation, mutate, and mutable, while commute ultimately derives from Latin commutare, whose mut- element also comes from mutare. English acquired the noun and adjective in the seventeenth century, initially referring to a form or organism that had undergone change.
Related word forms
How mutant is actually used
In biology, mutant is a technical term for a form resulting from a mutation; the scientific adjective mutant form is often preferable to the potentially stigmatizing abnormal. In science fiction, it commonly denotes a human or humanoid with altered anatomy or powers. Its figurative use for people can sound derogatory and should be used with care.