What does transplanted mean?
“Transplanted” describes something that has been moved from one place, organism, or setting to another. Its best-known use is medical: doctors say that an organ or tissue was transplanted when it was transferred from one person to another. The word also applies to plants and soil, as when seedlings are transplanted into a new bed. Figuratively, it can describe people or communities who have been relocated, as well as ideas, traditions, or artistic styles introduced to a new cultural environment. The sense often implies deliberate transfer and adaptation to a new setting rather than simple movement. In ordinary use, “transplanted” is the past tense and past participle of the verb “transplant,” while its adjectival use is especially established in combinations such as “transplanted organ.” It is understood in both British and American English.
Transferred or moved from one place, organism, or site to another.
"The hospital transplanted the donor’s kidney into the patient."
The past tense and past participle of transplant; it is also used in figurative contexts.
Having been moved or transferred from one place, organism, or site to another.
"The transplanted organ began functioning normally."
Common especially in medical and botanical contexts.
Transplanted literally means “planted elsewhere”: the word joins the idea of moving something with the ancient language of putting plants into new ground.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does transplanted come from?
The word comes from Latin transplantare, formed from trans- meaning “across” and plantare meaning “to plant.” The English verb “transplant” developed in the 16th century, first in the sense of moving a plant and later extending to the transfer of body parts and other objects. Its cognate forms include “transplantation” and “transplantable,” which preserve the same Latin root.
Related word forms
How transplanted is actually used
As a verb, transplanted is the past tense and past participle of transplant. As an adjective, it commonly describes an organ, tissue, plant, or person that has been moved from one location or organism to another. The medical sense is formal and technical, while figurative uses are common in journalism and cultural writing.
Easily confused with transplanted
An implanted object or tissue is placed within a body or another material, whereas something transplanted is moved from one organism or location to another.