/ mjuːˈteɪt; NAmE ˈmjuːteɪt/ verb mutate (into sth)
1.
to develop or make sth develop a new form or structure, because of a genetic change :
[ v ]
the ability of the virus to mutate into new forms
[ vn ]
mutated genes
2.
[ v ] to change into a new form :
Rhythm and blues mutated into rock and roll.
—see also mutation
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WORD ORIGIN
early 19th cent.: back-formation from mutation .