mutant

noun

1. That which has mutated, with one or more new characteristics from a mutation.

   “Furthermore, it is possible that there occasionally arises what may be called a mutant of very desirable character from a eugenic point of view.”

   “There does seem to have been some mutation among plants[…]but in animal life where are the mutants? When or where has a new species originated in this way?”

   “"How did I ever get such ability?" he wondered. "No one else in our family has it. Am I some sort of a mutant? But if so, how or why? I never heard Dad or Mother mention it."”

2. (informal)Someone or something that seems strange, abnormal, or bizarre.

   “Your neighbor seems to be a mutant; he’s so cringy!”

   “She could really get to like this relationship with Raven, if it weren't for the fact that he's a homicidal mutant.”

3. Synonym of mutex.

adj

1. (not-comparable)Of, relating to, undergoing (i.e. mutating), or resulting from change or mutation; that has undergone mutation.

   “mutant DNA”

   “Scientists have created a mutant enzyme that breaks down plastic drinks bottles—by accident.”

   “Researchers at the SSI found that antibodies from people who recovered from coronavirus were less effective at neutralising the mutant strain, but have not made details of their experiments public.”

2. (informal, not-comparable)Strange, abnormal, or bizarre.

   “Your mutant brother just growled at me again!”

   “Boris Johnson got an angry response after telling school pupils that the exam results crisis was caused by a “mutant algorithm” and he was glad it had been “sorted out”.”