What does mutate mean?
Mutate is a formal verb meaning to change, especially in a way that alters a living thing’s genetic material or basic characteristics. It is used both transitively, as when scientists say that radiation can mutate cells, and intransitively, as when a virus mutates in response to pressure from its environment. Outside biology, the verb can describe a person, object, language, or institution transforming into a different form. Its scientific associations give it a somewhat specialized tone, although it remains understandable in general contexts. The word comes from Latin mutare, “to change,” and belongs to a family including mutation, mutant, mutable, and mutability. Mutate is useful when the change is more than a simple adjustment: it suggests alteration that may produce a noticeably different version of the original.
verbTo undergo a change in form, nature, or genetic composition, or to cause something to undergo such a change.
- To undergo a change in form, nature, or genetic composition.
- To cause something to change in form, nature, or genetic composition.
"Viruses can mutate rapidly in response to their environment."
"The virus can mutate rapidly as it passes from one host to another."
"Scientists warned that the bacterium could mutate into a more resistant strain."
From Latin mutare, meaning “to change,” mutate describes the moment when a virus, gene, or whole form acquires a new identity.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does mutate come from?
Mutate comes from Latin mutare, meaning “to change.” English borrowed the word in the early 17th century, initially in scientific and philosophical contexts, and it later became especially prominent in biology. Related English words such as mutation, mutant, mutable, and mutability all reflect the same Latin root through Latin, French, or direct English borrowing.
Related word forms
How mutate is actually used
The word is especially common in biology, medicine, and related sciences, but it is also used formally for changes in objects, systems, and ideas. It can be transitive or intransitive and often carries a connotation of change that is unexpected, gradual, or potentially significant.
Easily confused with mutate
“Mutate” is the verb describing an act of change, whereas “mutation” is a noun naming the process or the resulting change.