mutagen

noun

mu·​ta·​gen ˈmyü-tə-jən How to pronounce mutagen (audio)
: an agent (such as a chemical or various radiations) that tends to increase the frequency or extent of mutation
mutagenic
ˌmyü-tə-ˈje-nik How to pronounce mutagen (audio)
adjective
mutagenically
ˌmyü-tə-ˈje-ni-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce mutagen (audio)
adverb

Examples of mutagen 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.
According to the studies the EPA reviewed in that analysis, chloroprene is probably a mutagen—an agent that can damage DNA or trigger genetic mutations. — Stephanie Pappas, Scientific American, 7 Mar. 2025 Radiation is not unlike a lot of mutagens and other kinds of events that damage your DNA or damage your body’s immune system. — Nicholas Stfleur, STAT, 16 Feb. 2024

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary mutation + -gen

First Known Use

1933, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of mutagen was in 1933

Browse Nearby Words

mutage
mutagen
mutagenesis
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Cite this Entry

“Mutagen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mutagen. Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.

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Medical Definition

mutagen

noun
mu·​ta·​gen ˈmyüt-ə-jən How to pronounce mutagen (audio)
: 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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