transposition

noun trans·po·si·tion \ ˌtran(t)s-pə-ˈzi-shən \

Updated on: 20 Mar 2018

Definition of transposition

1 a : an act, process, or instance of transposing or being transposed

b : the transfer of a segment of DNA from one site to another in the genome

2 a : the transfer of any term of an equation from one side over to the other side with a corresponding change of the sign

b : a mathematical permutation or interchange of two letters or symbols

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transpositional

play \-ˈzish-nəl, -ˈzi-shə-nᵊl\ adjective

Recent Examples of transposition from the Web

Gardenhire said the soreness is not related to the ulnar transposition surgery from last summer.

— george sipple, Detroit Free Press, "Detroit Tigers' Michael Fulmer start pushed back due to sore elbow," 3 Mar. 2018
Fulmer, 24, has performed like a front-line pitcher in his first two seasons in the Major Leagues but is rehabilitating from ulnar nerve transposition surgery in his right elbow.

— anthony fenech, Detroit Free Press, "Yankees could make offer Tigers can't refuse for Michael Fulmer," 13 Dec. 2017
RHP Michael Fulmer had ulnar nerve transposition surgery in Pensacola, Florida.

— Washington Post, "Roaring 20: Indians tie AL record with 20th straight win," 13 Sep. 2017
RHP Michael Fulmer had ulnar nerve transposition surgery in Pensacola, Florida.

— tom withers, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Indians beat Tigers 2-0 to tie AL record with 20th straight win," 12 Sep. 2017
RHP Michael Fulmer had ulnar nerve transposition surgery in Pensacola, Florida.

— USA TODAY, "Roaring 20: Indians tie AL record with 20th straight win," 12 Sep. 2017
RHP Michael Fulmer had ulnar nerve transposition surgery in Pensacola, Florida.

— tom withers, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Indians beat Tigers 2-0 to tie AL record with 20th straight win," 12 Sep. 2017
RHP Michael Fulmer had ulnar nerve transposition surgery in Pensacola, Florida.

— USA TODAY, "Roaring 20: Indians tie AL record with 20th straight win," 12 Sep. 2017
On Saturday the Russian artist sang in the original keys – that is, without evident transpositions – and his bright, reedy tenor sailed sweetly and without strain over Bicket’s chamber orchestra, which was playing at modern pitch.

— john von rhein, chicagotribune.com, "Triumphant new 'Orphee' presages strong partnership of Lyric Opera, Joffrey Ballet," 24 Sep. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'transposition.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of transposition

Anglo-French transposicion, from Medieval Latin transposition-, transpositio, from Latin transponere to transpose

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1538

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

Medical Dictionary

transposition

noun trans·po·si·tion \ ˌtran(t)s-pə-ˈzish-ən \

medical Definition of transposition

: an act, process, or instance of transposing or being transposed: as

a : the displacement of a viscus to a side opposite from that which it normally occupies

transposition of the heart

b : the transfer of a segment of DNA from one site to another in the genome either between chromosomal sites or between an extrachromosomal site (as on a plasmid) and a chromosome

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