online medical dictionary | definition of transpose

1. To change the place or order of; to substitute one for the other of; to exchange, in respect of position; as, to transpose letters, words, or propositions.

2. To change; to transform; to invert. "Things base and vile, holding no quantity, Love can transpose to form and dignity." (Shak)

3. <mathematics> To bring, as any term of an equation, from one side over to the other, without destroying the equation; thus, if a + b = c, and we make a = c - b, then b is said to be transposed.

4. To change the natural order of, as words.

5. To change the key of.

Origin: F. Transposer; pref. Trans- (L. Trans across) + poser to put. See Pose.

(01 Mar 1998)