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-ˈzi-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

Examples of transposition in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Through artifacts spanning 5,000 years, the exhibition constructs an extraordinary history of fashion and the body—material, carnal, vulnerable, seductive, devotional, fragmented—and its transpositions into various expressive languages. — Judith Clark, Vogue, 24 Sep. 2026

The authors estimated that this transposition occurred in 1819 — after the rise in pollution levels had started to alter the moth’s habitat. — Jake Buehler, Quanta Magazine, 21 Sep. 2026

The adaptation resets Sophocles’ tragedy to Aztec culture in a transposition that is both visually and musically enlivening. — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026

One route involves interpolation, recontextualization, and refocusing; the other approaches transposition. — Literary Hub, 19 May 2026

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

Rhymes for transposition

• abolition
• acquisition
• admonition
• ammunition
• apparition
• apposition
• coalition
• competition
• composition
• definition
• deglutition
• demolition

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