mutate
UK/'mju:teit/US
GREC2
Definitions
v.
To undergo a change in genetic structure; (of a gene/organism) to develop a mutation.
发生基因变异；（基因/生物）产生突变。
v.
To change or transform, especially into a new and different form.
（使）改变、变形（尤指变成新的、不同的形态）。
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedmuta- (from mūtāre, to change) + -ate (verb-forming) = 'to make a change.' Literally to change form. In biology a gene mutates when its sequence alters; in everyday use a plan or situation can mutate into something different.
Root mut still carries 6 more wordsCommon Collocations
- 1.mutate into变异成
- 2.mutate rapidly迅速变异
- 3.the virus mutates病毒变异
Example Sentences
- 1.
Viruses mutate quickly, making vaccines harder to design.
- 2.
The cells had mutated into an aggressive form of cancer.
- 3.
Their friendly debate slowly mutated into a bitter argument.