hypermutable
adjective
hy·per·mu·ta·ble
ˌhī-pər-ˈmyü-tə-bəl 
: exhibiting or capable of excessive mutation or change
Only the hypermutable cells that subsequently achieve a beneficial mutation would survive; the others would cease to be viable.—
John Rennie
John RennieAnother severe obstacle for those with compromised immune systems: the hypermutable bacteria that can be found in cystic fibrosis patients. These chameleon-like germs produce numerous mutations when they replicate, creating more potential possibilities for drug resistance.—Jim Doyle
Jim Doyle
hypermutability
noun
"What we've found is a subtle alteration in the genetic code that causes DNA instability and leads to hypermutability, or a cascade of mutations in surrounding genes …"
—Kenneth Kinzler
Kenneth Kinzler
Cite this Entry
“Hypermutable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hypermutable. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
hypermutable
adjective
hy·per·mu·ta·ble
-ˈmyüt-ə-bəl
: exhibiting or capable of excessive mutation or change
Another severe obstacle for those with compromised immune systems: the hypermutable bacteria that can be found in cystic fibrosis patients. These chameleon-like germs produce numerous mutations when they replicate, creating more potential possibilities for drug resistance.—Jim Doyle, The Birmingham (Alabama) News
Jim Doyle, The Birmingham (Alabama) News
hypermutability
noun
"What we've found," he [Kenneth Kinzler] explained, "is a subtle alteration in the genetic code that causes DNA instability and leads to hypermutability, or a cascade of mutations in surrounding genes."
—Newsday (Melville, New York)
Newsday (Melville, New York)
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