transposition

noun

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

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

transpositional

ˌtran(t)s-pə-ˈzish-nəl 

-ˈzi-shə-nᵊl

adjective

Examples of transposition in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Imposition and transposition of borders do the same thing, usually less dramatically and more slowly. —Eric Gordy, Foreign Affairs, 10 Oct. 2018

There’s not an incredible amount of literal transposition of material from [Leamer’s] book to the screen. —Gary Goldstein, Los Angeles Times, 14 June 2024

In his essay, Carne-Ross, who has no Wikipedia page but warrants a bronze statue in the cultural commons, kicks things off by planting a flag, offering up the term transposition as another conception of what translators might do. —Wyatt Mason, Harper's Magazine, 26 Apr. 2024

Bautista, 28, underwent right elbow debridement and an ulnar nerve transposition, operations that include the removal of scar tissue and repositioning of a compressed nerve, respectively. —Matt Weyrich, Baltimore Sun, 18 Feb. 2024

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1538, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing transposition

• transposition cipher

Medical Definition

transposition

noun

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

: 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

transpositional

-ˈzish-nəl 

adjective