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
1
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 notesIn plain EnglishTo change genetically, or more loosely, to transform into something different.
Common pairings
mutate into
the virus mutated
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- mutates
- Past tense
- mutated
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
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."
Class of 1700
mutate joined the language around 1700.
See the full Class of 1700 →
Rhymes for mutate
See all rhymes for mutate →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.".
