v.tr. 1 a cause (two or more things) to change places. b change the position of (a thing) in a series. 2 change the order or position of (words or a word) in a sentence. 3 Mus. write or play in a different key. 4 Algebra transfer (a term) with a changed sign to the other side of an equation. transposing instrument Mus. an instrument producing notes different in pitch from the written notes. transposing piano etc. Mus. a piano etc. on which a transposition may be effected mechanically. transposable adj. transposal n. transposer n.
[ ME, = transform f. OF transposer (as TRANS-, L ponere put) ]