Standard Lemma guide

mutator

noun · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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  • General-American: /ˈmjuteɪtɚ/

1

noun

Meaning 1

That which causes mutation or change.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • In object-oriented programming, the mutator function changes the value of the field that gives its name.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

A setting which alters specific gameplay mechanics, such as rules, physics, or abilities.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Topics: video-games

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

From mutate + -or. The video gaming sense likely originated in the video game Unreal Tournament (1999).

Across languages

Translations

15 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Bulgarian: мутатор (mutator) — causes mutation or change
  • Czech: mutátor — causes mutation or change
  • Danish: mutator — causes mutation or change
  • Dutch: mutator — causes mutation or change
  • Esperanto: mutaciulo — causes mutation or change
  • Estonian: mutaator — causes mutation or change
  • French: mutateur — causes mutation or change
  • German: Mutator — causes mutation or change
  • Greek: μεταλλάκτης (metalláktis) — causes mutation or change
  • Italian: mutatore — causes mutation or change
  • Italian: mutatrice — causes mutation or change
  • Polish: mutator — causes mutation or change
  • Romanian: mutator — causes mutation or change
  • Russian: мутатор (mutator) — causes mutation or change
  • Serbo-Croatian: мутатор — causes mutation or change