mutation
C1Formal/Academic/Technical
Definition
Meaning
A permanent change in the genetic material (DNA) of an organism.
Any significant change or alteration in form, structure, or nature; in linguistics, a sound change in a word or sound system.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily used in biology, computing, and linguistics. Connotes a permanent, structural, often unpredictable change.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Spelling identical. Pronunciation differs slightly in vowel quality.
Connotations
Slightly more common in UK media discussing biology (e.g., COVID variants) due to legacy of public science communication. In US, more frequent in tech/computing contexts (e.g., data mutation).
Frequency
Comparable frequency in both varieties within specialist fields.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
mutation in/of [something]mutation that [clause]mutation leading to [result]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Mutate into something else”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in 'business model mutation' (metaphorical).
Academic
High frequency in biology, genetics, linguistics, computer science (e.g., immutable vs. mutable data).
Everyday
Low frequency, mainly in news about viruses or sci-fi/fantasy contexts (e.g., 'X-Men mutations').
Technical
Precise term in genetics (DNA sequence change) and programming (changing state of an object).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The virus can mutate rapidly, making vaccine development challenging.
- Over centuries, the pronunciation mutated into its current form.
American English
- The software parameters are allowed to mutate during the simulation.
- The tradition mutated into a commercial holiday.
adverb
British English
- The language changed mutably over the generations.
American English
- The data structure was designed mutably.
adjective
British English
- The mutable nature of the policy caused confusion.
- They studied the mutation rate in bacteria.
American English
- In programming, mutable objects can be changed after creation.
- Mutation analysis is a testing technique.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Scientists study mutations in animals.
- The story is about a mutation that gives superpowers.
- A genetic mutation can sometimes cause diseases.
- The rapid mutation of the virus worried doctors.
- The research focused on beneficial mutations that confer resistance to antibiotics.
- Linguists have traced the mutation of the 'k' sound to 'ch' in certain dialects.
- The point mutation in the BRCA1 gene is linked to a hereditary predisposition to breast cancer.
- In functional programming, avoiding data mutation is a core principle for maintaining predictable state.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'MUTE' + 'ATION' – a change so profound it leaves you speechless (mute).
Conceptual Metaphor
CHANGE IS A FORCE (that reshapes code/DNA); ALTERATION IS A TWIST IN THE PATH.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation as 'мутация' for all contexts; not used for simple 'change' ('изменение') in everyday talk. In computing, Russian may use 'изменение состояния' more often.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'mutation' for any small change (overuse). Confusing 'mutation' (noun) with 'mutate' (verb). Misspelling as 'mutuation'. Using without necessary context (e.g., 'a mutation happened' – in what?).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'mutation' used in its most precise, non-metaphorical sense?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, in biology, mutations can be beneficial, neutral, or harmful. In popular usage, it often has a negative or monstrous connotation.
'Mutation' refers to the change in genetic material itself. 'Variation' is the observable difference in traits that may result from mutations, genetics, or environment.
No, the verb form is 'to mutate'. 'Mutation' is strictly a noun.
Yes. A 'mutant' is an organism or cell resulting from a mutation, possessing a new characteristic.
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Scientific Terminology
C1 · 44 words · Precise vocabulary used in scientific disciplines.
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