transmutation
/tɹanzmjuːˈteɪʃn̩/
transmutation means change, alteration. Lexicurio rates it Rare gem — a strength score of 75 out of 100.
transmutation is pronounced /tɹanzmjuːˈteɪʃn̩/.
Why “transmutation” is a great word
TRANSMUTATION — [Noun] The action or process of changing something, especially a substance, into a different form, nature, or substance. From the Latin transmutare ("to change"), from trans- ("across") and mutare ("to change"). Attested in English from the late 14th century. Unlike modification, which implies a partial adjustment to an existing structure, or transubstantiation, which denotes a specific theological miracle, transmutation is the secular principle of fundamental transformation. It is the alchemist’s dream of lead to gold, the radioactive decay of uranium into lead, and the chrysalis dissolving itself to reconstitute as a moth—the quiet, persistent heresy that nothing is obligated to remain what it is.
Etymology
Late 14th century, from Old French transmutacion (“transformation, metamorphosis”), from Late Latin transmutationem, from Latin transmutare (“to change”).
noun
- Change, alteration.
- The conversion of one thing into something else; transformation.“Up I rose and forth I fared: / Took my plunge within the bath-pool, pacified the watch-dog scared, / Saw proceed the transmutation—Jura's black to one gold glow, […]”
- The conversion of one thing into something else; transformation.; The supposed transformation of one element into another, especially of a base metal into gold.“The transmutation of metals was secondary to the main aim, which was the spiritual transformation of the adept.”
- The conversion of one thing into something else; transformation.; The actual transformation of one element into another by a nuclear reaction.“Years later, scientists learned that the sun’s light—visible and invisible—is merely the by-product of a process alchemists had vainly tried to reproduce for centuries—the transmutation of one element into another. That nature accomplishes this before our very eyes, and that it is what creates the solar heat and light that supports all life, was suspected by no one. The revelation came as a comple”