trans

¹

[ trans, tranz ]

adjective

1. transgender ( def ):

   Their son is trans.

   Laura is a trans woman.

2. (no longer in common use) transsexual ( def ).

noun

, plural trans·es, (especially collectively) trans.

1. Usually Offensive. a person who is transgender.

trans*

²

[ trans, tranz, trans stahr, trans as-ter-isk, tranz as‐ ]

adjective

1. of or relating to people with gender expressions outside traditional norms, as transgender, genderqueer, agender, or nonbinary: campus groups that welcome trans* students.

   important trans* issues;

   campus groups that welcome trans* students.

noun

1. Usually Offensive. a person with a gender identity outside traditional gender norms.

trans-

³

1. a prefix occurring in loanwords from Latin ( transcend; transfix ); on this model, used with the meanings “across,” “beyond,” “through,” “changing thoroughly,” “transverse,” in combination with elements of any origin: transisthmian; trans-Siberian; transempirical; transvalue.
2. Chemistry. a prefix denoting a geometric isomer having a pair of identical atoms or groups on the opposite sides of two atoms linked by a double bond. Compare cis- ( def 2 ).
3. Astronomy. a prefix denoting something farther from the sun (than a given planet): trans-Martian; trans-Neptunian.
4. a prefix meaning “on the other side of,” referring to the misalignment of one’s gender identity with one's sex assigned at birth: transgender.

trans.

⁴

abbreviation for

1. transaction.
2. transfer.
3. transferred.
4. transformer.
5. transit.
6. transitive.
7. translated.
8. translation.
9. translator.
10. transparent.
11. transportation.
12. transpose.
13. transverse.

trans.

¹

abbreviation for

1. transaction
2. transferred
3. transitive
4. translated
5. translator

trans-

²

prefix

1. across, beyond, crossing, on the other side

   transatlantic

   trans-Siberian

   transoceanic

2. changing thoroughly

   transliterate

3. transcending

   transubstantiation

4. transversely

   transect

5. often in italics indicating that a chemical compound has a molecular structure in which two groups or atoms are on opposite sides of a double bond Compare cis-

   trans-butadiene

Sensitive Note

The terms transgender and trans are generally accepted as interchangeable. However, some people prefer the shortened adjective trans to avoid any reference to assigned sex or binary gender in this inclusive identity label. Many transgender people prefer writing trans compounds as two words, as in trans man, trans woman, and trans person. When so written as an open compound with a space, trans functions as an adjective modifying a noun such as man. Spelling these words as closed or hyphenated compounds, as in transmale and trans-people, loses the distinction between trans as a descriptive adjective and man, woman, or person as a human being. Similarly, cis male and cis female are the preferred spelling of these terms. transgender.

Word History and Origins

Origin of trans¹

First recorded in 1970–75; by shortening

Origin of trans²

First recorded in 2000–05; by shortening of transgender ( def )

Origin of trans³

From Latin, combining form of trāns (adverb and preposition) “across, beyond, through”

Word History and Origins

Origin of trans¹

from Latin trāns across, through, beyond

Example Sentences

The performers gathered in the West Hollywood City Council Chamber for two presentations of “The Trans Diaries” — monologues that serve as vehicles for trans people to share their stories.

From Los Angeles Times

Lindsey Deaton, a musician and artistic director who served as West Hollywood’s first appointed transgender commissioner for arts and cultural affairs, created “The Trans Diaries” five years ago.

From Los Angeles Times

The show, which consists of episodic nonfiction pieces, is directed and performed entirely by members of the trans community.

From Los Angeles Times

This year’s performances are co-produced by the city of West Hollywood and Diversionary Theatre in San Diego, where “Trans Diaries” will be performed this weekend.

From Los Angeles Times

The Times spoke over Zoom with Gerschick and trans writer-actor Shakina Nayfack, who directed the show.

From Los Angeles Times