What does transcription mean?
Transcription is the process of representing spoken words, sounds, or a recording in written form, and it can also refer to the resulting written copy. It is especially useful for preserving speeches, interviews, lectures, legal proceedings, and other spoken material. A transcription may be a complete record or may be edited, summarized, or arranged for clarity; the phrase verbatim transcription specifically indicates that the words have been preserved exactly. The word also has an important technical meaning in molecular biology, where it describes the process by which genetic information in DNA is copied into RNA. In general use, transcription carries a sense of accuracy and careful documentation. It comes from the Latin transcribere, meaning “to write across,” and reflects the longstanding human practice of turning temporary speech into durable written language. The term is therefore both a practical description of a common activity and a specialized scientific concept.
nounA written copy of spoken words, or the process of writing down what is said. In molecular biology, it also means the process of copying genetic information from DNA into RNA.
- A written copy of words that were spoken.
- The process of writing down or converting speech, sound, or a recording into written form.
- The molecular-biology process in which the information in DNA is copied into RNA.
"The journalist reviewed the transcription of her interview before publishing the article."
"A verbatim transcription preserves every pause, repetition, and interruption in the conversation."
"Genetic transcription begins when the cell copies a section of DNA into messenger RNA."
The plural is used for multiple written copies, records, or instances of the process.
"The archive contains transcriptions of several historic speeches."
From Latin transcribere, literally “to write across,” transcription is the bridge between a fleeting voice and lasting words.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does transcription come from?
The English noun derives from Latin transcribere, formed from trans-, meaning “across,” and scribere, meaning “to write.” Its literal sense, “to write across,” reflects the movement of words from a spoken or manuscript source into a written copy. The modern word retains its association with written records while also taking on the technical biological meaning of copying DNA information into RNA.
Related word forms
How transcription is actually used
In everyday and publishing contexts, transcription is common in British and American English. It can denote either the act of making a written record or the resulting record itself. In biology, it is a specialized term with no implication of speech or writing.
Easily confused with transcription
A transcript is the finished written version of what was said, while transcription can refer either to that written version or to the process of producing it.