noun
transmutation
tranzmyoo-TAYSHN
noun
1
A complete change from one form or nature into another.
"The story tracks the transmutation of a shy student into a confident speaker."
"Medieval alchemists dreamed of the transmutation of lead into gold."
2
In physics, the conversion of one chemical element into another through a nuclear reaction.
"Nuclear reactors can cause the transmutation of uranium into other elements."
How to Use Transmutation
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA total change of form, nature, or substance — from an old alchemy term for turning metal into gold to modern nuclear physics.
Common pairings
transmutation of elements
undergo transmutation
Word Forms
transmutations plural
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Etymology
From Old French transmutacion, from Latin transmutare, "to change across" — the same root gives us "mutate."