trans-

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.
Origin
< Latin, combining form of trāns (adv. and preposition) across, beyond, through
British Dictionary definitions for trans-

trans-

prefix
1.
across, beyond, crossing, on the other side: transoceanic, trans-Siberian, transatlantic
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: trans-butadiene Compare cis- (sense 2)
Word Origin
from Latin trāns across, through, beyond
Word Origin and History for trans-

prefix meaning "across, beyond, to go beyond," from Latin trans-, from prep. trans "across, over, beyond," probably originally present participle of a verb *trare-, meaning "to cross" (see through).

trans- in Medicine

trans- pref.

  1. Across; on the other side; beyond: transilient.

  2. Through: transpiration.

  3. Change; transfer: transketolation.

  4. Having a pair of identical atoms on opposite sides of two atoms linked by a double bond. Used of a geometric isomer. Usually in italic: trans-butene.