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

The obligations were introduced in June, 2021 as part of the country’s transposition into law of the European Union’s 2018 Audiovisual and Media Services Directive (AVMSD), updating the bloc’s legislation for the digital age and the rise of global streaming platforms. —Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 27 Nov. 2024

The Orioles said the All-Star had right elbow debridement and an ulnar nerve transposition with Dr. Keith Meister in Dallas. —San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Feb. 2024

Keaton Winn, of course, is out for the season following ulnar nerve transposition surgery. —Andrew Baggarly, The Athletic, 25 Aug. 2024

Correction April 3, 2024, 11:45am ET: The benchmark chart for this article has been updated to correct transposition errors. —Antonio G. Di Benedetto, The Verge, 30 Oct. 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