mutagenic

American  

[myoo-tuh-jen-ik] / ˌmju təˈdʒɛn ɪk /

adjective

Genetics.

1. capable of inducing mutation or increasing its rate.

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Other Word Forms

• mutagenicity
  noun
• mutagenically
  adverb

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Etymology

Origin of mutagenic

First recorded in 1945–50; muta(tion) + -genic

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Explanation

Something that makes genes mutate, or change, is mutagenic. Most substances that are mutagenic also cause cancer. Things that are mutagenic often turn out to also be carcinogenic, or cancer-causing, since genetic mutations so often cause cancer in cells. Some common things that are mutagenic include x-rays, chemicals found in tobacco, metals like arsenic, and even some viruses and bacteria. Mutagenic comes from mutagen, which combines mutation, "action of changing," and -gen, or "thing that produces."

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

mutagenic

The team also sees potential uses in clinical settings, such as studying natural aging or detecting exposure to radiation or other mutagenic factors.

From Science Daily ● Nov. 23, 2025

There, Kamala's abilities - stemmed by a secret alien gene - are activated by a mutagenic gas.

From BBC ● Jul. 13, 2022

In the books, Kamala first comes into her powers after being exposed to a mutagenic mist that activates dormant Inhuman genes in unsuspecting people who don’t know they aren’t fully human.

From The Verge ● Jun. 10, 2022

Low levels of antibiotics in the environment are mutagenic for bacteria and promote the development of antibiotic resistance.

From Textbooks ● Jun. 9, 2022

The principal targets of physical or chemical mutagenic agents are cells that are undergoing especially active division.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson

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