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mutagen

noun
mu·​ta·​gen | \ ˈmyü-tÉ™-jÉ™n How to pronounce mutagen (audio) \

Definition of mutagen

: an agent (such as a chemical or various radiations) that tends to increase the frequency or extent of mutation
Other Words from mutagen Example Sentences Learn More about mutagen

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Other Words from mutagen

mutagenic \ ËŒmyü-​tÉ™-​ˈje-​nik How to pronounce mutagenic (audio) \ adjective
mutagenically \ ËŒmyü-​tÉ™-​ˈje-​ni-​k(É™-​)lÄ“ How to pronounce mutagenically (audio) \ adverb

Examples of mutagen in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 The fallout leads to three samples of an experimental mutagen dropping through the atmosphere and landing on Earth, where a wolf, an alligator, and George are all infected. — Tasha Robinson, The Verge, "Rampage is laughably dumb, but at least there’s plenty of rampaging," 11 Apr. 2018 The main villain is not Shredder, but instead a cat named Old Hob, who was also transformed by the same mutagen that brought The Turtles to their current state. — Dak, WIRED, "GeekMom: Comic Book Corner — June 20th, 2012," 20 June 2012

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'mutagen.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of mutagen

1933, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for mutagen

International Scientific Vocabulary mutation + -gen

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More Definitions for mutagen

mutagen

noun
mu·​ta·​gen | \ ˈmyüt-É™-jÉ™n How to pronounce mutagen (audio) \

Medical Definition of mutagen

: a substance (as a chemical or various radiations) that tends to increase the frequency or extent of mutation

More from Merriam-Webster on mutagen

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about mutagen

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