ENGLISH
REFERENCE

trans

adj. · n.
US //ˈtɹænz// trans
  1. 1 gender identity (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    describing someone whose gender identity is different from the sex they were assigned at birth.

    denoting or relating to a person whose sense of personal identity and gender does not correspond with their birth sex.

    Example

    The community center provides a safe space for trans and non-binary youth.

    Example

    The documentary explores the diverse lived experiences of trans individuals navigating the healthcare system in urban environments.

    Usage

    Almost always used as an adjective before a noun or after a linking verb.
    Pitfall
    He is a trans.
    He is trans.

    In modern English, 'trans' is primarily an adjective. Using it as a noun to refer to a person can be seen as offensive or dehumanizing.

  2. 2 chemistry (adj.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Science

    used in science to describe molecules where certain parts are on opposite sides of a bond.

    describing an isomer in which functional groups are on opposite sides of the plane of a double bond or ring.

    Example

    Trans fats are often found in processed foods and can be bad for your heart.

    Example

    The physical properties of the trans isomer differ significantly from those of the cis isomer due to the different spatial arrangement of the atoms.

    Usage

    Usually appears as a prefix in chemical nomenclature, often italicized.
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  1. 3 car transmission (n.)
    C1 Advanced Informal American English

    a short way of saying a vehicle's transmission (the gears).

    a clipping of 'transmission', referring to the system of gears in a motor vehicle.

    Example

    The mechanic told me that my car needs a new trans.

    Example

    After the race, the pit crew discovered a fluid leak in the trans that had likely cost the driver several seconds per lap.

    Teacher's tip

    This usage is very common in automotive contexts in the US but might be confusing in general conversation due to the more common gender-related sense.
Etymology 1

Borrowed from Latin trāns (“on the other side of”). Doublet of très.

Etymology 2

Clipping of transgender or transsexual (ultimately from Latin trāns).

Etymology 3

Clipping.

Etymology 4

See the etymology of the corresponding lemma form.

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