Definitions

Transposable genetic elements are sometimes referred to as transposons. Transposable genetic elements do not reside at only a single locus, but they can change position on the same chromosome or move to a non-homologous chromosome. Transposable elements were first identified in maize and later in Drosophila. In bacteria, transposable elements are called transposons

Definition of transposable element.

"A transposable element is a bit of DNA that can move from place to place in an organism's genome.... It is excised from one site and inserted at another site either on the same or on a different one. ... The movement of a transposable element can generate mutations or chromosomal rearrangements and thus affect the expression of other genes.

from - Federoff, N. 1984.