gene mutation

noun

plural gene mutations
: a permanent alteration (as by point mutation or frameshift mutation) in the nucleotide sequence of a gene
Researchers have identified a gene mutation that's believed to predispose people to malignant melanoma, the deadliest and most aggressive type of skin cancer.—Health News
compare point mutation

Examples of gene mutation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In some grass species shattering can be turned off by just one or two gene mutations. — Literary Hub, 25 Mar. 2026 It's caused by a gene mutation that leads to the death of motor neurons in the spinal cord. — Jon Hamilton, NPR, 3 June 2026 Scientists combined genome sequencing and cellular reprogramming to key in on which gene mutation is at fault for aging and cognitive deficits. — Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Apr. 2026 Alternating hemiplegia of childhood (AHC) is a rare neurological disorder resulting from a gene mutation. — Vanessa Etienne, PEOPLE, 25 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for gene mutation

Word History

First Known Use

1904, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gene mutation was in 1904

Rhymes for gene mutation

See All Rhymes for gene mutation

Browse Nearby Words

genemotor
gene mutation
gene pool
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Cite this Entry

“Gene mutation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gene%20mutation. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

gene mutation

noun
: mutation due to a chemical change in a gene

Medical Definition

gene mutation

noun
: a permanent alteration (as a point mutation or frameshift mutation) in the nucleotide sequence of a gene
… there is a 50 percent chance each offspring will inherit the gene mutation and may develop the disease.—Fred Cicetti
In early August the team published a study in Nature that chronicled how a single gene mutation in a laboratory strain of Escherichia coli could create a bacterium resistant to triclosan …—Gary Stix
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