translation - Dictionary Definition : Vocabulary.com

"C'est un dictionnaire en ligne." Don't understand? Here's a translation for you: "This is an online dictionary." A translation is the written or verbal rewording of something from one language into another that keeps the same meaning.

A translation doesn't have to be strictly from one language to another; it can be a rewording that makes something easier to understand or less technical in nature, as suggested by the common phrase, "Can you translate that into plain English?" If what is translated takes a written form, as in a book, for example, then the object itself is called a translation.

PRIMARY MEANINGS OF: translation

1	n	a written communication in a second language having the same meaning as the written communication in a first language
2	n	a uniform movement without rotation
3	n	(genetics) the process whereby genetic information coded in messenger RNA directs the formation of a specific protein at a ribosome in the cytoplasm

FULL DEFINITIONS OF: translation

1

n a written communication in a second language having the same meaning as the written communication in a first language

Synonyms:: interlingual rendition, rendering, version

Types:: show 5 types...; hide 5 types...; mistranslation
an incorrect translation; crib, pony, trot
a literal translation used in studying a foreign language (often used illicitly); retroversion
translation back into the original language; caption, subtitle
translation of foreign dialogue of a movie or TV program; usually displayed at the bottom of the screen; supertitle, surtitle
translation of the words of a foreign opera (or choral work) projected on a screen above the stage

Type of:: written account, written record
a written document preserving knowledge of facts or events

n rewording something in less technical terminology

Type of:: paraphrase, paraphrasis
rewording for the purpose of clarification

n the act of changing in form or shape or appearance

“a photograph is a translation of a scene onto a two-dimensional surface”

Synonyms:: transformation

Types:: show 10 types...; hide 10 types...; permutation
complete change in character or condition; alteration, revision
the act of revising or altering (involving reconsideration and modification); transfiguration
the act of transforming so as to exalt or glorify; transmogrification
the act of changing into a different form or appearance (especially a fantastic or grotesque one); metamorphosis
a complete change of physical form or substance especially as by magic or witchcraft; distraction, misdirection
the act of distracting; drawing someone's attention away from something; modulation
the act of modifying or adjusting according to due measure and proportion (as with regard to artistic effect); qualification
the act of modifying or changing the strength of some idea; reorganization
an extensive alteration of the structure of a corporation or government; metamorphosis, transfiguration
a striking change in appearance or character or circumstances

Type of:: change of integrity
the act of changing the unity or wholeness of something

2

n a uniform movement without rotation

Types:: displacement, shift
an event in which something is displaced without rotation; amplitude
(physics) the maximum displacement of a periodic wave; luxation
displacement or misalignment of a joint or organ

Type of:: change of location, travel
a movement through space that changes the location of something

n the act of uniform movement

Synonyms:: displacement

Type of:: motion, move, movement
the act of changing location from one place to another

n (mathematics) a transformation in which the origin of the coordinate system is moved to another position but the direction of each axis remains the same

Type of:: transformation
(mathematics) a function that changes the position or direction of the axes of a coordinate system

3

n (genetics) the process whereby genetic information coded in messenger RNA directs the formation of a specific protein at a ribosome in the cytoplasm

Type of:: biological process, organic process
a process occurring in living organisms