Found 2 items, similar to transmutation.
English → English (WordNet) Definition: transmutation transmutation n 1: an act that changes the form or character or substance of something [syn: transubstantiation] 2: a qualitative change [syn: transformation, shift] 3: (physics) the change of one chemical element into another (as by nuclear decay or radioactive bombardment); “the transmutation of base metals into gold proved to be impossible”
English → English (gcide) Definition: Transmutation Transmutation \Trans`mu*ta"tion\, n. [F. transmutation, L. transmutatio. See Transmute.] 1. The act of transmuting, or the state of being transmuted; as, the transmutation of metals. [1913 Webster] 2. (Geom.) The change or reduction of one figure or body into another of the same area or solidity, but of a different form, as of a triangle into a square. [R.] [1913 Webster] 3. (Biol.) The change of one species into another, which is assumed to take place in any development theory of life; transformism. --Bacon. [1913 Webster] Transmutation of metals (Alchem.), the conversion of base metals into gold or silver, a process often attempted by the alchemists. See Alchemy, and Philosopher's stone, under Philosopher. [1913 Webster]