translocate
Meaning
to move something from one place or position to another, especially in biology or ecology.
to transfer a section of a chromosome to a different position on the same or another chromosome.
Structure
Usage
conservationists plan to translocate the endangered rhinos to a safer national park.
the genetic mutation causes a piece of dna to translocate to a non-homologous chromosome.
plants can translocate nutrients from their roots to their leaves through the xylem.
Etymology
The word "translocate" is a modern scientific formation, constructed in English by combining the Latin-derived prefix "trans-" with the verb "locate." The prefix "trans-" carries the ancient sense of moving or being positioned across a boundary, a meaning traceable to proto-indo-European terə- meaning "to cross over, pass through." The root "locate" originates from the Latin noun locus for "place," which itself may derive from the pie root stā-/stelo- meaning "to stand," implying a fixed position. The logical fusion of these elements creates a verb whose literal meaning is "to place across," which perfectly captures its modern technical applications, from the physical movement of organisms to the genetic repositioning of chromosomal material.
Analysis
- trans: from latin, a prefix meaning "across," "beyond," or "through." it functions as a locative prefix indicating movement or change of position. - locate: from latin locatus, past participle of locare "to place," from locus "a place." it functions as the verbal root meaning to establish or find a place for something.