translocation

Definition of translocation

translocation

(TRANZ-loh-KAY-shun)
A genetic change in which a piece of one chromosome breaks off and attaches to another chromosome. Sometimes pieces from two different chromosomes will trade places with each other. Translocations may lead to medical problems such as leukemia, breast cancer, schizophrenia, muscular dystrophy, and Down syndrome.

Source: NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms