noun

mutagen

MYOO-tuhjn

Mutagen (noun) means any substance or agent that can cause a change in an organism's genetic material. Example: “Certain chemicals used in older dyes are known mutagens.”

noun

Any substance or agent that can cause a change in an organism's genetic material.

"Certain chemicals used in older dyes are known mutagens."

How to use mutagen

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAnything that can cause a mutation in DNA.

Common pairings

a known mutagen mutagen exposure

Word forms

mutagens plural

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Fill the gap

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Certain chemicals used in older dyes are known _____.

Etymology

Built from muta- (relating to mutation) and -gen ("producing"), ultimately from Greek roots meaning "birth" or "origin."

Origin: Latin

Rhymes for mutagen

Hagen collagen Copenhagen Volkswagen

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Frequently asked questions

What does “mutagen” mean?

The word “mutagen” means any substance or agent that can cause a change in an organism's genetic material. In plain terms, anything that can cause a mutation in DNA.

How do you pronounce “mutagen”?

“Mutagen” is pronounced MYOO-tuhjn (/ˈmjuːtəd͡ʒn̩/ in IPA).

How do you use “mutagen” in a sentence?

Here is “mutagen” used in a sentence: “Certain chemicals used in older dyes are known mutagens.”

What part of speech is “mutagen”?

“Mutagen” is a noun.

Where does the word “mutagen” come from?

The word “mutagen” comes from Latin. Built from muta- (relating to mutation) and -gen ("producing"), ultimately from Greek roots meaning "birth" or "origin.".