Meaning
变异 refers to a change or alteration from an original form, commonly used in biological, genetic, and scientific contexts to describe mutations or variations. It can function as both a noun (a mutation/variation) and a verb (to mutate/vary). The term emphasizes deviation from a standard or norm.
Usage
Most commonly used in scientific and medical contexts, especially in biology, genetics, and discussions about viruses or diseases. In everyday speech, it appears in news reports about virus variants or genetic mutations. The term carries a neutral to slightly negative connotation when referring to unexpected or potentially harmful changes.
Examples
- 01这种病毒已经发生了多次变异。.This virus has already undergone multiple mutations.
- 02科学家正在研究基因变异对人类健康的影响。.Scientists are studying the effects of genetic mutations on human health.
Characters
Measure words
- 种一种变异
- 个一个变异
Common collocations
- 基因变异genetic mutation
- 病毒变异virus mutation
- 发生变异to undergo mutation
- 变异株variant strain
Antonyms
Origin
The compound combines 变 (change) and 异 (different/unusual) to create the meaning of 'changing into something different.' This reflects the concept of deviation from an original or expected form.