translocation

American  

[trans-loh-key-shuhn, tranz-] / ˌtræns loʊˈkeɪ ʃən, ˌtrænz- /

noun

1. a change of location.

2. Genetics. a chromosomal rearrangement in which a segment of genetic material from one chromosome becomes heritably linked to another chromosome.

3. Botany. the conduction of soluble food material from one part of a plant to another.

---

translocation British  

/ ˌtrænzləʊˈkeɪʃən /

noun

1. genetics the transfer of one part of a chromosome to another part of the same or a different chromosome, resulting in rearrangement of the genes

2. botany the transport of minerals, sugars, etc, in solution within a plant

3. a movement from one position or place to another

---

translocation Scientific  

/ trăns′lō-kā′shən /

1. A chromosomal aberration in which a chromosomal segment changes position, usually moving from one chromosome to a different, nonhomologous chromosome. In one type of Down Syndrome, for example, translocation of a large segment of chromosome 21 to another chromosome results in an individual who has the genetic equivalent of three chromosomes 21 and thus has the phenotype of Down syndrome but who has a normal total number of chromosomes. A translocation within a given chromosome is called a shift.

---

Other Word Forms

• nontranslocation noun

Etymology

Origin of translocation

First recorded in 1615–25; trans- + location

Example Sentences

Islatravir, meanwhile, is what’s known as a nucleoside reverse transcriptase translocation inhibitor, a novel drug that is significantly more potent.

From Barron's • Feb. 25, 2026

Labuschagne, an ex-South African commando, founded Warm Heart Initiative in response to the clashes that followed the translocation.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 30, 2026

The England Species Reintroductions Taskforce, an independent advisory group, guides conservation and species translocation efforts.

From BBC • Oct. 19, 2025

Sure, someone/thing may have to guard the henhouse, but that’s a small price to pay if their translocation increases their genetic diversity.

From Seattle Times • May 17, 2024

The necessary capture, captivity, translocation and contact of the experimental wolves with humans had an unknown effect on the wolves.

From An Experimental Translocation of the Eastern Timber Wolf by Hook, Richard A.

Related Words

• about-face
• alteration
• change
• conversion
• deviation
• move
• transfer
• transformation
• variation