transmutation — English Dictionary

Noun

1. Change, alteration.

   Usage

   • Countable
   • Obsolete
   • Uncountable

   Synonyms

   mutationpermutationtransfiguration

2. The conversion of one thing into something else; transformation.

   Usage

   • Countable
   • Uncountable

   Synonyms

   developmentmetamorphosistransfiguration

   Examples

   More examples (1)

   Up I rose and forth I fared: / Took my plunge within the bath-pool, pacified the watch-dog scared, / Saw proceed the transmutation—Jura's black to one gold glow, […]

3. The conversion of one thing into something else; transformation. The supposed transformation of one element into another, especially of a base metal into gold.

   Usage

   • Countable
   • Uncountable

   Examples

   The transmutation of metals was secondary to the main aim, which was the spiritual transformation of the adept.

4. The conversion of one thing into something else; transformation. The actual transformation of one element into another by a nuclear reaction.

   Usage

   • Countable
   • Uncountable

   Examples

   More examples (1)

   Years later, scientists learned that the sun’s light—visible and invisible—is merely the by-product of a process alchemists had vainly tried to reproduce for centuries—the transmutation of one element into another. That nature accomplishes this before our very eyes, and that it is what creates the solar heat and light that supports all life, was suspected by no one. The revelation came as a complete surprise.

Noun

1. an act that changes the form or character or substance of something

   Synonyms

   transubstantiation

   Broader terms

   conversion

2. a qualitative change

   Synonyms

   transformationshift

   Broader terms

   changealterationmodification

3. (physics) the change of one chemical element into another (as by nuclear decay or radioactive bombardment)

   Broader terms

   changealterationmodification

   Examples

   the transmutation of base metals into gold proved to be impossible