transform

[trans-fawrm, trans-fawrm]

verb (used with object)

1. to change in form, appearance, or structure; metamorphose.

   Synonyms: transfigure

2. to change in condition, nature, or character; convert.

3. to change into another substance; transmute.

4. Electricity.

   1. to increase or decrease (the voltage and current characteristics of an alternating-current circuit), as by means of a transformer.

   2. to decrease (the voltage and current characteristics of a direct-current circuit), as by means of a transformer.

5. Mathematics.,  to change the form of (a figure, expression, etc.) without in general changing the value.

6. Physics.,  to change into another form of energy.

verb (used without object)

1. to undergo a change in form, appearance, or character; become transformed.

noun

1. Mathematics.

   1. a mathematical quantity obtained from a given quantity by an algebraic, geometric, or functional transformation.

   2. the transformation itself.

2. the result of a transformation.

3. a transformation.

4. Logic.,  transformation.

5. Linguistics.,  a structure derived by a transformation.

transform

verb

1. to alter or be altered radically in form, function, etc

2. (tr) to convert (one form of energy) to another form

3. (tr) maths to change the form of (an equation, expression, etc) by a mathematical transformation

4. (tr) to increase or decrease (an alternating current or voltage) using a transformer

noun

1. maths the result of a mathematical transformation, esp (of a matrix or an element of a group) another related to the given one by B = X ^–1 AX for some appropriate X

Other Word Forms

• transformable adjective
• transformative adjective
• intertransformable adjective
• nontransforming adjective
• retransform verb (used with object)
• self-transformed adjective
• untransformable adjective
• untransformed adjective
• untransforming adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of transform¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English transformen, from Latin trānsfōrmāre “to change in shape”; trans-, form

Word History and Origins

Origin of transform¹

C14: from Latin transformāre , from _trans- + formāre to _form

Synonym Study

Transform , convert mean to change one thing into another. Transform suggests changing from one form, appearance, structure, or type to another: to transform soybeans into oil and meal by pressure. Convert suggests so changing the characteristics as to change the use or purpose: to convert a barn into a house.

Example Sentences

What optimism there is lies only in the title, an ancient Greek word for the science of transforming dead cows into hives, of turning death into life.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

But, he added, the challenge was to transform the cultural touchstone into a "recurring comedic gimmick".

Read more on Barron's

Modern internet-connected devices unnecessarily compound vulnerability by requiring web connectivity for basic functions, transforming them into “bricked” devices when remote services fail.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

"Things are now changing. I will work, with the new permanent secretary, to transform the Home Office so that it delivers for this country."

Read more on BBC

What was missing, however, was another bona fide ace; the kind capable of swinging postseason series and transforming October fortunes.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• alter 
• convert 
• mold 
• mutate 
• reconstruct 
• remodel 
• revamp 
• revolutionize 
• transfer 
• translate