NYT Dictionary
MUTAGEN
/ˈmjuːtəd͡ʒn̩/NounMU-ta-genmu-ta-gen · 3 syllablesGrade 11
Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2026
Meaning
Any agent or substance that can cause genetic mutation.
Etymology
Origin: Ancient Greek
Etymology tree English muta- Proto-Indo-European *ǵenh₁- Proto-Indo-European *-os Proto-Indo-European *ǵénh₁os Proto-Hellenic *génos Ancient Greek γένος (génos) Proto-Indo-European *-os Proto-Indo-European *-ēs Proto-Hellenic *-ēs Ancient Greek -ης (-ēs) Ancient Greek -γενής (-genḗs)lbor. French -gènebor. English -gen English mutagen From muta- + -gen.
NYT Puzzle Appearances
Accepted in 1 recorded puzzle, including a pangram: