revertant: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowTechnical/Specialised
Quick answer
What does “revertant” mean?
A mutant organism, cell, or gene that has undergone a second mutation which restores it to its original, wild-type state or phenotype.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A mutant organism, cell, or gene that has undergone a second mutation which restores it to its original, wild-type state or phenotype.
More broadly, any entity that returns to a previous or original condition after a period of change or deviation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The term is domain-specific and consistent across scientific English globally.
Connotations
In scientific contexts, it is a neutral, descriptive term. Outside of science, it is largely unknown and lacks established connotations.
Frequency
Virtually unused in general language in both regions. Frequency is limited to academic papers, textbooks, and technical discussions in relevant fields.
Grammar
How to Use “revertant” in a Sentence
The [noun] is a revertant.Scientists identified a [adjective] revertant.The mutation gave rise to a revertant.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “revertant” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The research team successfully isolated a leucine-independent revertant from the auxotrophic strain.
- Sequencing confirmed it was a true genetic revertant, not a suppressor mutation.
American English
- The lab results showed a phenotypic revertant that grew on the minimal media.
- Analysis of the revertant revealed the original amino acid sequence had been restored.
adjective
British English
- They observed a revertant colony amidst the mutant lawn.
- The revertant phenotype was stable over multiple generations.
American English
- The researchers focused on the revertant cells for further study.
- A revertant strain was used as a positive control in the assay.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Common within life sciences literature to describe experimental results where a mutated gene or cell line regains its original function.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Core term in genetics and microbiology for a specific type of mutation reversal.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “revertant”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “revertant”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “revertant”
- Using it as a synonym for 'one who reverts' (e.g., in religion).
- Spelling as 'revertent'.
- Using it in non-scientific contexts where 'revert' or 'return' would be appropriate.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a highly specialised term used almost exclusively in genetics, molecular biology, and related life sciences. It is not encountered in everyday conversation or general writing.
No. 'Revertant' functions almost exclusively as a noun or an adjective. The corresponding verb is 'revert'.
A true revertant specifically reverses the original mutation, restoring the exact original DNA sequence or its functional equivalent. A suppressor mutation is a second, distinct mutation that compensates for the effects of the first mutation but does not correct the original DNA change.
In layman's terms within the field, 'back-mutant' or 'reversion mutant' are used. For a general audience, a descriptive phrase like 'a mutant that has changed back to normal' is necessary.
Revertant is usually technical/specialised in register.
Revertant: in British English it is pronounced /rɪˈvɜːtənt/, and in American English it is pronounced /rɪˈvɝːtənt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a REVERse mutANT: an ANT that mutated into a beetle, but then mutated back into an ANT.
Conceptual Metaphor
RETURN TO THE ORIGINAL BLUEPRINT
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'revertant' primarily used?