English Reference
Noun

translocation

n. C / U
C1 Advanced UK /tɹænsləʊkˈeɪʃən/ translo·ca·tion UK spelling translocations

n.the act of moving something from one place to another, especially in a scientific or medical context. It often refers to moving a person or an animal to a new location for safety or study.

n.the act of moving something from one place to another; specifically, the relocation of an organism to a new habitat or the transfer of a chromosome segment to a non-homologous chromosome.


SIMPLE

The translocation of the endangered species to a new reserve was a success.

CONTEXTUAL

After the fire destroyed their habitat, the wildlife team began the translocation of the remaining deer to a safer area.

COMPLEX

The genetic translocation observed in the patient's karyotype provided the first concrete evidence that the two distinct syndromes were actually caused by the same underlying mutation.

This may be the result of reciprocal translocations of oysters around the Dutch Delta for decades.

Phys.org· 26 Aug 2026

In Russia, a number of translocations resulted in the recolonisation of tiger habitat.

The Guardian· 11 Aug 2026

From trans- + location.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Occasional
Updated