mutagenesis

noun

mu·​ta·​gen·​e·​sis ˌmyü-tə-ˈje-nə-səs How to pronounce mutagenesis (audio)
: the occurrence or induction of mutation

Examples of mutagenesis in a Sentence

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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.
The question isn’t only whether mutagenesis is dangerous for those who swallow the pill. — William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2021 Each of these molecules was subjected to mutagenesis and further rounds of selection. — Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 13 Feb. 2026 Further, the experiment demonstrated the randomness of mutagenesis; the mutation rate fluctuated randomly. — The New Yorker, 8 Jan. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin

First Known Use

1948, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of mutagenesis was in 1948

Rhymes for mutagenesis

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Browse Nearby Words

mutagen
mutagenesis
mutagenicity
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Cite this Entry

“Mutagenesis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mutagenesis. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

mutagenesis

noun
mu·​ta·​gen·​e·​sis ˌmyüt-ə-ˈjen-ə-səs How to pronounce mutagenesis (audio)
plural mutageneses -ˌsēz How to pronounce mutagenesis (audio)
: the occurrence or induction of mutation

More from Merriam-Webster on mutagenesis

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about mutagenesis

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