Mutant Meaning
/ˈmjuːtənt/Definition, CEFR level C2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounThat which has mutated, with one or more new characteristics from a mutation.
nounSomeone or something that seems strange, abnormal, or bizarre.
Sentence Examples
The entire colony will inherit the mutant DNA.
There are no reports on this mutation because such a mutant wouldn't even be born.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The ____ frog had an extra leg due to a genetic error.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The science fiction movie features a powerful ____ who possesses extraordinary several different abilities due to a very rare and mysterious genetic transformation.
Word Origin & History
From Latin mūtāns, present participle of mūtō. By surface analysis, muta- + -ant.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"Furthermore, it is possible that there occasionally arises what may be called a mutant of very desirable character from a eugenic point of view."
— 1918, Paul Popenoe, Roswell Hill Johnson, Applied Eugenics:
"There does seem to have been some mutation among plants[…]but in animal life where are the mutants? When or where has a new species originated in this way?"
— 1922, John Burroughs, The Last Harvest:
""How did I ever get such ability?" he wondered. "No one else in our family has it. Am I some sort of a mutant? But if so, how or why? I never heard Dad or Mother mention it.""
— 1953, E. Everett Evans, Man of Many Minds:
"She could really get to like this relationship with Raven, if it weren't for the fact that he's a homicidal mutant."
— 1992, Neal Stephenson, Snow Crash, page 364:
"Scientists have created a mutant enzyme that breaks down plastic drinks bottles—by accident."
— 2018 April 16, Damian Carrington, “Scientists accidentally create mutant enzyme that eats plastic bottles”, in The Guardian:
Explore More C2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The ____ frog had an extra leg due to a genetic error.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The science fiction movie features a powerful ____ who possesses extraordinary several different abilities due to a very rare and mysterious genetic transformation.