verb

mutate

myoo-TAYT

Mutate (verb) means to change or cause to change due to a mutation. Example: “The virus mutated rapidly as it spread between hosts.”

verb

To change or cause to change due to a mutation.

"The virus mutated rapidly as it spread between hosts."

"Over generations, the gene mutated into several distinct forms."

How to use mutate

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo change genetically, or more loosely, to transform into something different.

Common pairings

mutate into the virus mutated

Word forms

mutated past tense, mutates singular

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The virus _____ rapidly as it spread between hosts.

Etymology

First recorded in the late 18th century as a back-formation from "mutation," ultimately from Latin mutare, "to change."

Origin: Latin · First attested 1700

Class of 1700 mutate joined the language around 1700.

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Rhymes for mutate

ate date rate mate fate abate slate plate state grate create update

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Frequently asked questions

What does “mutate” mean?

The word “mutate” means to change or cause to change due to a mutation. In plain terms, to change genetically, or more loosely, to transform into something different.

How do you pronounce “mutate”?

“Mutate” is pronounced myoo-TAYT (/ˈmju.teɪt/ in IPA).

How do you use “mutate” in a sentence?

Here is “mutate” used in a sentence: “The virus mutated rapidly as it spread between hosts.”

What part of speech is “mutate”?

“Mutate” is a verb.

Where does the word “mutate” come from?

The word “mutate” dates back to around 1700 and comes from Latin. First recorded in the late 18th century as a back-formation from "mutation," ultimately from Latin mutare, "to change.".