Skip to content

mutation

mutation

noun mü-tah-SYOHN Rare

Origin: Latin 'mutatio' (change)

Also means

transfer

Usage Note

Mutation covers biological mutation (une mutation génétique), but in French administrative language it also commonly means a job transfer or posting (une mutation professionnelle = a professional reassignment). The verb muter means to transfer an employee or, in biology, to mutate. This dual use can surprise learners who only know the scientific sense.

Examples

"Cette mutation génétique est très rare."

Natural Translation

This genetic mutation is very rare.

Explore French by topic