transposon

noun

trans·​po·​son tran(t)s-ˈpō-zän 

: a transposable element especially when it contains genetic material controlling functions other than those related to its relocation

Examples of transposon in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Epigenetic control — the means by which an organism can dial the expression of its genetic repertoire up or down, or shut off the expression of some genes entirely — may have evolved first to bring transposons to heel. — Jake Buehler, Quanta Magazine, 21 Sep. 2026

In her analysis, Phan opted not to discard the activity of transposons—a standard step in many studies. — Bycatherine Offord, science.org, 24 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

transpose + -on entry 2

First Known Use

1974, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for transposon

• unfrozen
• bosun
• cozen
• frozen

Medical Definition

transposon

noun

trans·​po·​son ˌtran(t)s-ˈpō-ˌzän 

: a transposable element especially when it contains genetic material controlling functions other than those related to its relocation