transmutation

Late 14th century, from Old French transmutacion (“transformation, metamorphosis”), from Late Latin transmutationem, from Latin transmutare (“to change”).

• (UK) IPA^(key): /tɹanzmjuːˈteɪʃn̩/

transmutation (countable and uncountable, plural transmutations)

1. (obsolete) Change, alteration.
2. The conversion of one thing into something else; transformation.
3. (alchemy) Specifically, the supposed transformation of one element into another, especially of a base metal into gold.
   • 1971, Keith Thomas, Religion and the Decline of Magic, Folio Society, published 2012, page 261:

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

4. (nuclear physics) The actual transformation of one element into another by a nuclear reaction.

From Latin trānsmūtātiōnem.

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transmutation f (plural transmutations)

1. transmutation (all senses)

• transmuer, transmuter

• “transmutation”, in Trésor de la langue française informatisé [Digitized Treasury of the French Language], 2012.