verb
Uncommon
transplant
trahnz-PLAHNT
Transplant (verb) means to dig up a plant and replant it somewhere else. Example: “We transplanted the tomato seedlings into bigger pots.”
verb
1
To dig up a plant and replant it somewhere else.
"We transplanted the tomato seedlings into bigger pots."
"In autumn, my dad transplants the young roses to a sunnier corner."
"You should transplant the shrub carefully so its roots do not break."
2
In surgery, to move an organ or tissue from one body, or body part, to another.
"Surgeons transplanted a healthy kidney from the donor to the patient."
"The surgeon will transplant a healthy liver into the waiting patient tomorrow morning."
"Doctors can transplant skin from one part of the body to another."
noun
1
A surgical procedure, or the organ/tissue moved, in a transplant operation.
"He is recovering well after his heart transplant."
"The hospital said her kidney transplant had been a complete success."
"Patients often wait years for a suitable donor before a transplant can go ahead."
2
Informal: a person who has moved from one place to live in another.
"As a New York transplant, she still isn't used to the quiet of small-town life."
"Our neighbour is a Scottish transplant who has lived in this village for ten years."
"Lots of transplants from the city have opened small shops on the high street."
How to use transplant
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishMoving something living — a plant, an organ, or even a person — to a new place.
Common pairings
organ transplant
heart transplant
transplant seedlings
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Word forms
- Plural
- transplants
- Third person singular
- transplants
- Past tense
- transplanted
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
We _____ the tomato seedlings into bigger pots.
Etymology
From Old French transplanter, from Late Latin transplantare — trans- ("across") plus plantare ("to plant").
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “transplant” mean?
The word “transplant” means to dig up a plant and replant it somewhere else. In plain terms, moving something living — a plant, an organ, or even a person — to a new place.
How do you pronounce “transplant”?
“Transplant” is pronounced trahnz-PLAHNT (/tɹænzˈplænt/ in IPA).
How do you use “transplant” in a sentence?
Here is “transplant” used in a sentence: “We transplanted the tomato seedlings into bigger pots.”
What part of speech is “transplant”?
Depending on how it is used, “transplant” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “transplant” come from?
The word “transplant” comes from Late Latin. From Old French transplanter, from Late Latin transplantare — trans- ("across") plus plantare ("to plant").
Is “transplant” a common word?
“Transplant” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “transplant” have?
“Transplant” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to dig up a plant and replant it somewhere else.
What is the difference between a transplant and a graft?
A transplant, in the surgical sense, moves an entire organ or tissue from one body, or body part, to another, such as a kidney transplant. A graft typically involves attaching living tissue, such as skin, to a new site so it can grow and integrate there, which is a related but more localized procedure.
What does it mean to call someone a "transplant"?
Informally, calling someone a "transplant" means they have moved from one place to live in another, such as a "California transplant" living in a new state. This usage draws on the idea of relocating something and having it take root somewhere new.
Can "transplant" refer to plants as well as organs?
Yes, "transplant" can mean to dig up a plant and replant it somewhere else, in addition to its surgical meaning of moving an organ or tissue between bodies. Both senses share the core idea of moving something living to a new location so it can continue to grow.
