mutagenic

[ myoo-tuh-jen-ik ]

adjective

, Genetics.

1. capable of inducing mutation or increasing its rate.

Other Words From

• muta·geni·cal·ly adverb
• mu·ta·ge·nic·i·ty [myoo-t, uh, -j, uh, -, nis, -i-tee], noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of mutagenic¹

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

Example Sentences

While exposure to mutagenic chemicals, or mistakes in cellular processes during DNA replication contribute to these mutations, the exact distribution and patterns of these changes across human chromosomes have remained a mystery until now.

From Science Daily

The epigenetic changes caused by the toxic agent could directly contribute to the origin of the mentioned diseases, beyond its known mutagenic properties.

From Science Daily

They said they had built “a mutagenic chain reaction.”

From Scientific American

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

From BBC

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