mutagen

noun mu·ta·gen \ˈmyü-tə-jən\

Definition of MUTAGEN

: an agent (as a chemical or various radiations) that tends to increase the frequency or extent of mutation

— mu·ta·gen·ic \ˌmyü-tə-ˈje-nik\ adjective

— mu·ta·gen·i·cal·ly \-ni-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

International Scientific Vocabulary mutation + -gen

First Known Use: 1933

Medical Dictionary

noun mu·ta·gen \ˈmyüt-ə-jən\

: a substance (as a chemical or various radiations) that tends to increase the frequency or extent of mutation

Next Word in the Dictionary: mutagenesisPrevious Word in the Dictionary: mutableAll Words Near: mutagen

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