TRANSMUTATION
Trans`mu*ta"tion, n. Etym: [F. transmutation, L. transmutatio. See
Transmute.]
1. The act of transmuting, or the state of being transmuted; as, the transmutation of metals.
2. (Geom.)
Defn: 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.]
3. (Biol.)
Defn: The change of one species into another, which is assumed to take place in any development theory of life; transformism. Bacon. 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.
TRANSMUTATIONIST
Trans`mu*ta"tion*ist, n.
Defn: One who believes in the transmutation of metals or of species.
TRANSMUTE
Trans*mute", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Transmuted; p. pr. & vb. n.
Transmuting.] Etym: [L. transmutare, transmutatum; trans across +
mutare to change. See Mutable, and cf. Transmew.]
Defn: To change from one nature, form, or substance, into another; to
transform.
The caresses of parents and the blandishments of friends transmute us
into idols. Buckminster.
Transmuting sorrow into golden joy Free from alloy. H. Smith.