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transmutation

 - 7 dictionary results

trans⋅mu⋅ta⋅tion

  [trans-myoo-tey-shuhn, tranz-]
Use transmutation in a Sentence
–noun
1. the act or process of transmuting.
2. the fact or state of being transmuted.
3. change into another nature, substance, form, or condition.
4. Biology. the transformation of one species into another. Compare transformism.
5. Physics. any process in which a nuclide is transformed into a different nuclide, usually one of a different element.
6. Alchemy. the supposed conversion of base metals into metals of greater value, esp. into gold or silver.
Origin:
1350–1400; ME transmutacio(u)n (< OF transmutation) < L trānsmūtātiōn- (s. of trānsmūtātiō) a changing, shifting, equiv. to trānsmūtāt(us) (ptp. of trānsmūtāre to change) + -iōn- -ion. See transmute, -ation

Related forms:
trans⋅mu⋅ta⋅tion⋅al, trans⋅mut⋅a⋅tive  [trans-myoo-tuh-tiv, tranz-] , adjective
trans⋅mu⋅ta⋅tion⋅ist, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To transmutation
trans·mu·ta·tion   (trāns'myōō-tā'shən, trānz'-)   
n.  

    1. The act or an instance of transmuting; transformation.

    2. The state of being transmuted.

  2. Physics Transformation of one element into another by one or a series of nuclear reactions.

  3. The supposed conversion of base metals into gold or silver in alchemy.

trans'mu·ta'tion·al, trans·mut'a·tive (-myōō'tə-tĭv) adj.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

transmutation 
c.1380, from O.Fr. transmutation (12c.), from L.L. transmutationem (nom. transmutatio) "a change, shift," noun of action from L. transmutare "change from one condition to another," from trans- "thoroughly" + mutare "to change" (see mutable). A word from alchemy.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Legal Dictionary

Main Entry: trans·mu·ta·tion
Pronunciation: "tranz-myü-'tA-sh&n, "trans-
Function: noun
1 : a doctrine in property law which allows the conversion of a separate property interest into marital or community property by agreement between spouses or by contribution of marital or community assets to the separate property (as for maintenance or improvements); also : a doctrine in property law which allows the conversion of a marital or community property interest into separate property
2 : an act or instance of converting a property interest in accordance with the doctrine of transmutation transmutation by deed>
Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law, © 1996 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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Medical Dictionary

Main Entry: trans·mu·ta·tion
Pronunciation: "tran(t)s-myu-'tA-sh&n, "tranz-
Function: noun
: an act or instance of changing: as a : the evolutionary change of one species into another b : the conversion of one element or nuclide into another either naturally or artificially
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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Medical Dictionary

transmutation trans·mu·ta·tion (trāns'my&oomacr;-tā'shən, trānz'-)
n.

  1. A change; transformation.

  2. In physics, the transformation of one element into another by one or a series of nuclear reactions.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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Encyclopedia

transmutation

conversion of one chemical element into another. A transmutation entails a change in the structure of atomic nuclei and hence may be induced by a nuclear reaction (q.v.), such as neutron capture, or occur spontaneously by radioactive decay, such as alpha decay and beta decay (qq.v.). Transmutation of base metals (such as mercury, tin, copper, lead) into precious metals (gold, silver) was long attempted by alchemists, who had no concept of the atomic nature of matter. Their experimentation led to discoveries of many important chemical reactions, but chemical reactions are not capable of effecting the nuclear changes required for transmutation.

Learn more about transmutation with a free trial on Britannica.com.

Encyclopedia Britannica, 2008. Encyclopedia Britannica Online.
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