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.
Years prior, the couple had her husband tested for the CFTR gene mutation, just in case. Jordan Greene, People.com, 24 June 2025 Durand predicts that in the next decade, medical practice may move towards offering full-body imaging to more groups that are at high risk for cancer, like those with BRCA gene mutations or Lynch syndrome. Claire Bugos, Verywell Health, 18 June 2025 The gene mutations linked to sporadic hemiplegic mutation occur spontaneously in the person with the disorder. Colleen Doherty, Verywell Health, 26 May 2025 Does that mean the gene mutation in each of his liver cells is now fixed? German Lopez, New York Times, 16 May 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Gene mutation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gene%20mutation. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.

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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