transmutation

transmutation

English

Etymology

Late 14th century, from Old French transmutacion (“transformation, metamorphosis”), 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

the transformation of one element into another

Persian: استحاله‎ (fa) (estehâle) Portuguese: transmutação f

the actual transformation of one element into another by a nuclear reaction

The translations below need to be checked and inserted above into the appropriate translation tables. See instructions at Wiktionary:Entry layout § Translations.

Translations to be checked

Sindhi: (please verify) بدل متفرقاري‎ (sd)

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French

Etymology

From Latin trānsmūtātiō.

Pronunciation

• Audio

  (file)

Noun

transmutation f (plural transmutations)

1. transmutation (all senses)

Related terms

• transmuer, transmuter

Further reading

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