transpose Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a matrix formed by interchanging the rows and columns of a given matrix
  2. verb change the order or arrangement of
    commute; permute.
    • Dyslexics often transpose letters in a word
  3. verb transfer from one place or period to another
    transfer; transplant.
    • The ancient Greek story was transplanted into Modern America
  4. verb cause to change places
    counterchange; interchange.
    • interchange this screw for one of a smaller size
  5. verb transfer a quantity from one side of an equation to the other side reversing its sign, in order to maintain equality
  6. verb put (a piece of music) into another key
  7. verb exchange positions without a change in value
    commute.
    • These operators commute with each other
  8. verb change key
    • Can you transpose this fugue into G major?

WordNet

Trans*pose" transitive verb
Etymology
F. transposer; pref. trans- (L. trans across) + poser to put. See Pose.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Transposed ; present participle & verbal noun Transposing
Definitions
  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. R.
    Things base and vile, holding no quantity, Love can transpose to form and dignity. Shak.
  3. (Alg.) 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. (Gram.) To change the natural order of, as words.
  5. (Mus.) To change the key of.

Webster 1913