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.

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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

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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.

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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

The Kasungu translocation has so far eluded such successful solutions.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 30, 2026

There is no set timeline for when translocation of grizzly bears to Washington might begin.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 25, 2024

It also suggests that if the translocation of nestlings is deemed necessary for conservation purposes, it may not lead to long-term problems for communication and population persistence.

From Science Daily • Feb. 1, 2024

In future experiments the upward translocation will be studied in detail on grafts of American scions on Chinese seedlings.

From Northern Nut Growers Association Report of the Proceedings at the 43rd Annual Meeting Rockport, Indiana, August 25, 26 and 27, 1952 by Northern Nut Growers Association

Related Words

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