transmutation

English

Etymology

Late 14th century, from Old French transmutacion (“transformation, metamorphosis”) [12th c.], from Late Latin transmutationem, from Latin transmutare (“to change”).

Pronunciation
  • (UK) IPA(key): /tɹanzmjuːˈteɪʃn̩/

Noun

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 2012, p. 261:
      The transmutation of metals was secondary to the main aim, which was the spiritual transformation of the adept.
  4. (physics) The actual transformation of one element into another by a nuclear reaction.

Translations
change — see alteration
transformation — see transformation
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Translations to be checked

French

Pronunciation
  • Audio(file)

Noun

transmutation f (plural transmutations)

  1. transmutation (all senses)
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