the changing of the structure of a gene, which may result in a variant form able to be transmitted to subsequent generations, caused by the alteration of single base units in DNA, or the deletion, insertion, or rearrangement of larger sections of genes or chromosomes

mutation is, ultimately, the only way in which new variation enters the species

the action or process of changing in form or nature

the mutation of punk's angry energy into something more mindless

his first novel went through several mutations

regular change of a sound when it occurs adjacent to another