A
chromosome alteration in which a whole chromosome or segment of a chromosome
becomes attached to or interchanged with another whole chromosome or segment,
the resulting hybrid segregating together at meiosis; balanced translocations
(in which there is no net loss or gain of chromosome material) are usually
not associated with phenotypic abnormalities, although gene disruptions at
the breakpoints of the translocation can, in some cases, cause adverse effects,
including some known genetic disorders; unbalanced translocations (in which
there is loss or gain of chromosome material) nearly always yield an abnormal
phenotype
Definition from: GeneTests
from the University of Washington and Children's Health System, Seattle
Breakage and removal of a large segment of DNA from one chromosome, followed by the segment's attachment to a different chromosome.