transcribe

transitive verb tran·scribe \tran(t)-ˈskrīb\

: to make a written copy of (something)

: to write down (something that is spoken)

: to rewrite (a piece of music) so that it can be performed by a different instrument or voice

tran·scribedtran·scrib·ing

Full Definition of TRANSCRIBE

a : to make a written copy of

b : to make a copy of (dictated or recorded matter) in longhand or on a machine (as a typewriter)

c : to paraphrase or summarize in writing

d : write down, record

a : to represent (speech sounds) by means of phonetic symbols

b : translate 2a

c : to transfer (data) from one recording form to another

d : to record (as on magnetic tape) for later broadcast

: to make a musical transcription of

: to cause (as DNA) to undergo genetic transcription

— tran·scrib·er noun

See transcribe defined for kids

Origin of TRANSCRIBE

Latin transcribere, from trans- + scribere to write — more at scribe

First Known Use: 1552

Rhymes with TRANSCRIBE

ascribe, conscribe, describe, imbibe, inscribe, prescribe, proscribe, subscribe

TRANSCRIBED Defined for Kids

transcribe

verb tran·scribe \tran-ˈskrīb\

tran·scribedtran·scrib·ing

Definition of TRANSCRIBE for Kids

: to make a copy of

Word Root of TRANSCRIBE

The Latin word scribere, meaning “to write,” and its form scriptus give us the roots scrib and script. Words from the Latin scribere have something to do with writing. To scribble is to write quickly or carelessly. To describe is to write or tell about something or someone. A manuscript is a document written by hand. To transcribe is to write down something spoken or copy something written.

Medical Dictionary