mutation

noun

type of genetic operator used to maintain genetic diversity from one generation of a population of genetic algorithm chromosomes to the next
in algebra
to undergo or cause to undergo mutation, changing state, morphing
change of the nucleotide sequence of the genome of an organism

Pronunciation: /mjuˈteɪʃən/

Etymology: Late 14th century as Middle English mutacioun, from Latin mūtātiō, both directly and via Old French mutacion.

Any alteration or change.
Any heritable change of the base-pair sequence of genetic material.
“Plant breeding is always a numbers game.[…]The wild species we use are rich in genetic variation, […]. In addition, we are looking for rare alleles, so the more plants we try, the better. These rarities may be new mutations, or they can be existing ones that are neutral—or are even selected against—in a wild population. A good example is mutations that disrupt seed dispersal, leaving the seeds on the heads long after they are ripe.”
“He added, in an email to CNN, that “the collection of increasingly large and well curated medical datasets has enabled AI tools to predict genetic mutations from imaging phenotypes reducing the burden of healthcare systems and improving the way we care for patients.” Phenotypes are observable characteristics.”
A mutant.
An alteration in a particular sound of a word, especially the initial consonant, which is triggered by the word's morphological or syntactic context and not by its phonological context.
The transfer of title of an asset in a register.
A group of thrushes.
“Birdwatchers would enjoy a host of sparrows, a herd of swans, a descent of woodpeckers, a herd of wrens, and mutation of thrushes.”
“Names for a group: A flute or mutation of thrushes.”