Mutating Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

Biology

• In nature, living things can change their traits through a process called mutation, which helps them adapt to their surroundings.
• Some bacteria can quickly mutate, allowing them to survive medicines that would normally kill them.
• Mutations can lead to new species over long periods, playing a key role in the process of evolution.

Technology

• In the field of computer science, programming languages often mutate or evolve over time to include new features and improve efficiency.
• Video game characters might mutate in gameplay, allowing players to unlock new abilities or forms based on their performance.
• In cybersecurity, malware can mutate to escape detection, continually changing its code to avoid being caught by antivirus software.

Pop Culture

• Superheroes often have the power to mutate, showcasing transformations like Spider-Man gaining special abilities after being bitten by a radioactive spider.
• Movies featuring mutant characters, such as the X-Men series, explore themes of diversity and acceptance because of their unique powers.
• In animated series, characters like The Hulk can mutate into different forms with increased strength and abilities, providing a narrative of struggle and power.

Genetics

• Scientists study mutations to understand genetic diseases, which can occur when genes change in harmful ways.
• Not all mutations are bad; some can be beneficial and contribute to an organism’s survival by providing new traits.
• Genetic engineering techniques often intentionally induce mutations to create crops that are resistant to pests or diseases.

Mythology

• In various mythologies, gods often have the ability to mutate mortals into different creatures or forms as a form of punishment or reward.
• Morphing into a different creature, like a werewolf, reflects the idea of mutation in folklore, showing how characters can change based on themes of good and evil.

The term 'mutate' derives from the Latin word 'mutare', which means 'to change'. It initially entered the scientific vocabulary in the early 20th century, particularly in the fields of genetics and biology. The concept of mutation gained prominence with the discovery of genes and the understanding of heredity. The suffix '-ing' signifies the continuous aspect of the action, indicating that the process of mutating can occur over time and under various conditions. In modern usage, mutating encompasses both natural genetic changes and artificial alterations in laboratory settings. The term has evolved to find applications in various domains, including virology, where it describes the rapid changes seen in viruses, and computer science, where it describes state changes in data structures.

Ranking #35,342, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.

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• 35339 osculating
• 35340 wheedled
• 35341 slenderer
• 35342 mutating
• 35343 wheezy
• 35344 salvageable
• 35345 acclivity
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