translocation

noun

trans·​lo·​ca·​tion ˌtran(t)s-lō-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce translocation (audio)
ˌtranz-
: the act, process, or an instance of changing location or position: such as
a
: the conduction of soluble material (such as metabolic products) from one part of a plant to another
b
: transfer of part of a chromosome to a different position especially on a nonhomologous chromosome
especially : the exchange of parts between nonhomologous chromosomes
translocate
ˈtran(t)s-lō-ˌkāt How to pronounce translocation (audio)
ˈtranz-lō-
(ˌ)tran(t)s-ˈlō- How to pronounce translocation (audio)
(ˌ)tranz-ˈlō-
verb

Examples of translocation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Photographer Ami Vitale was documenting the translocation of this female from the OI Pejeta Conservancy in central Kenya to the Loisaba Conservancy in the north when the rhino reacted poorly to anesthesia and stopped breathing. Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025 Photographer Ami Vitale was documenting the translocation of this female from the Ol Pejeta Conservancy in central Kenya to the Loisaba Conservancy in the north when the rhino reacted poorly to anesthesia and stopped breathing. Skylar Knight, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 June 2025 Professor Ewen’s research focuses on the recovery of small populations, often involving conservation translocation, and the science that supports these decisions. Grrlscientist, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025 Dr Andrews’ specialty is developing translocation programs for species recovery. Grrlscientist, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for translocation

Word History

First Known Use

1617, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of translocation was in 1617

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Cite this Entry

“Translocation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/translocation. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.

Medical Definition

translocation

noun
trans·​lo·​ca·​tion ˌtran(t)s-lō-ˈkā-shən, ˌtranz- How to pronounce translocation (audio)
1
: transfer of part of a chromosome to a different position especially on a nonhomologous chromosome
especially : the exchange of parts between nonhomologous chromosomes
2
: a chromosome or part of a chromosome that has undergone translocation
translocate verb
translocated; translocating
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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