Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Transmutation: meaning, definitions and examples

🔄
Add to dictionary

transmutation

 

[ ˌtrænzmjuˈteɪʃən ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

alchemy

The action of changing or the state of being changed into another form.

Synonyms

change, conversion, metamorphosis.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
transmutation

Use in scientific or magical contexts to describe the change of one substance into another.

  • The alchemists aimed for the transmutation of lead into gold.
  • The story involves the magical transmutation of humans into animals.
change

Use in everyday contexts to describe any alteration or modification in state or condition.

  • People often fear change, but it is a necessary part of life.
  • I need to change my clothes before we go out.
conversion

Use when referring to transforming the function, nature, or form of something, often in technical, religious, or mathematical contexts.

  • Their conversion to solar energy has significantly lowered electricity costs.
  • The conversion of foreign currency can be done at the airport.
metamorphosis

Use in biological or literary contexts to describe a dramatic change in form or structure.

  • The caterpillar undergoes metamorphosis to become a butterfly.
  • His character's metamorphosis throughout the novel was fascinating.

Examples of usage

  • The transmutation of lead into gold is a common goal in alchemy.
  • Her research focused on the transmutation of elements at a molecular level.
Context #2 | Noun

biology

The conversion of one species into another.

Synonyms

adaptation, evolution, mutation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
transmutation

Identical to the first entry. Used often in a scientific or philosophical context to describe a complete change from one form or substance into another.

  • The alchemists believed in the transmutation of base metals into gold
  • His experiences led to a transmutation of his beliefs
evolution

Describes a gradual development process, especially in a biological, social, or technological context over time.

  • The evolution of technology has dramatically changed our lives
  • In biology class, we studied the evolution of different species
adaptation

Refers to the process of adjusting or changing to better suit a new environment or situation. Commonly used in biological, cultural, and technological contexts.

  • The polar bear's thick fur is an adaptation to the Arctic climate
  • The film adaptation of the novel was very successful
mutation

Often used in genetics to describe a change in DNA that can result in new traits or features. Can have a neutral, positive, or negative connotation depending on the context.

  • A mutation in the gene caused the cells to grow uncontrollably
  • Some mutations can be beneficial and lead to greater diversity in a population

Examples of usage

  • The transmutation of species over time is a key concept in the theory of evolution.
  • Scientists are still studying the process of transmutation in plants and animals.

Translations

Translations of the word "transmutation" in other languages:

🇵🇹 transmutação

🇮🇳 परिवर्तन

🇩🇪 Transmutation

🇮🇩 transmutasi

🇺🇦 трансмутація

🇵🇱 transmutacja

🇯🇵 変換 (へんかん)

🇫🇷 transmutation

🇪🇸 transmutación

🇹🇷 dönüşüm

🇰🇷 변환 (변화)

🇸🇦 تحول

🇨🇿 transmutace

🇸🇰 transmutácia

🇨🇳 嬗变 (shàn biàn)

🇸🇮 transmutacija

🇮🇸 breyting

🇰🇿 трансмутация

🇬🇪 ტრანსმუტაცია

🇦🇿 transmutasiya

🇲🇽 transmutación

Etymology

The word 'transmutation' originates from the Latin word 'transmutatio', which means a complete change or transformation. The term was first used in alchemy to describe the process of turning base metals into gold or silver. Over time, the concept of transmutation expanded to include biological changes and evolution. Today, transmutation is used in various fields to describe the transformation or conversion of one thing into another.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,668, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.