transhumance

[ trans-hyoo-muhnsor, often, yoo-, tranz- ]

noun

1. the seasonal migration of livestock, and the people who tend them, between lowlands and adjacent mountains.

transhumance

/ trænsˈhjuːməns /

noun

1. the seasonal migration of livestock to suitable grazing grounds

Derived Forms

• transˈhumant, adjective

Other Words From

• trans·humant adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of transhumance¹

1900–05; < French, equivalent to transhum ( er ) to shift ground (modeled on Spanish trashumar; trans-, humus ) + -ance -ance

Word History and Origins

Origin of transhumance¹

C20: from French, from transhumer to change one's pastures, from Spanish trashumar , from Latin trans- + humus ground

Example Sentences

The tradition of alpine pasturing, or “transhumance,” spreads all across the Alps, including Austria, Italy and Germany.

From New York Times

With regards to livestock rearing, the role of sheep and goat transhumance in high mountain areas has stood out traditionally, while only a marginal role has been given to other livestock activities, in which the temporary maintenance of these animal flocks has been highlighted.

From Science Daily

An archaeological find in the Huescan Pyrenees allowed researchers to identify for the first time livestock management strategies and feeding practices which demonstrate how the first high mountain societies, at the start of the Neolithic period, were already carrying out complex livestock and farming activities, instead of being limited to the transhumance of sheep and goats.

From Science Daily

The animals were part of a festival called Transhumance.

From NewsForKids.net

Transhumance means moving herds of animals that eat grass from one area to another.

From NewsForKids.net