mutation

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

noun (biology) an organism that has characteristics resulting from chromosomal alteration
noun (genetics) any event that changes genetic structure; any alteration in the inherited nucleic acid sequence of the genotype of an organism
noun a change or alteration in form or qualities

Late 14th century as Middle English mutacioun, from Latin mūtātiō, both directly and via Old French mutacion.

All great mutations shake and disorder a state. — Essays of Michel de Montaigne — Complete, Michel de Montaigne
"All school themselves to the mutations of life." — The Loyalist: A Story of the American Revolution, James Francis Barrett
All mutations and all phases had been, or were about to be, exhausted. — Les Misérables, Victor Hugo

mutant, variation, sport

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