verb
    
    -tates; -tated; -tating
    
    biology
    
    [+ obj] :to cause (a gene) to change and create an unusual characteristic in a plant or animal :to cause mutation in (a gene)
    
    
    
    
    
    [no obj] :to change and cause an unusual characteristic to develop in a plant or animal
    
    
    
    [no obj] :to change into something very different