transformation

[ trans-fer-mey-shuhn ]

/ ˌtræns fərˈmeɪ ʃən /

Save This Word!

See synonyms for: transformation / transformations on Thesaurus.com

noun

the act or process of transforming.

the state of being transformed.

change in form, appearance, nature, or character.

Theater. a seemingly miraculous change in the appearance of scenery or actors in view of the audience.

Logic.Also called transform. one of a set of algebraic formulas used to express the relations between elements, sets, etc., that form parts of a given system.

Mathematics.

the act, process, or result of transforming or mapping.
function (def. 4a).

Linguistics.

transformational rule.
the process by which deep structures are converted into surface structures using transformational rules.

Genetics. the transfer of genetic material from one cell to another resulting in a genetic change in the recipient cell.

a wig or hairpiece for a woman.

QUIZ

SHALL WE PLAY A "SHALL" VS. "SHOULD" CHALLENGE?

Should you take this quiz on “shall” versus “should”? It should prove to be a quick challenge!

Question 1 of 6

Which form is used to state an obligation or duty someone has?

shall

should

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of transformation

1400–50; late Middle English <Late Latin trānsfōrmātiōn- (stem of trānsfōrmātiō) change of shape. See trans-, formation

OTHER WORDS FROM transformation

trans·for·ma·tion·al, adjectivenon·trans·for·ma·tion, nounre·trans·for·ma·tion, nounself-trans·for·ma·tion, noun

Words nearby transformation

transfinite number, transfix, transfixion, transfixion suture, transform, transformation, transformational-generative grammar, transformational grammar, transformationalist, transformational rule, transformationist

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use transformation in a sentence

Wilson’s renormalization group describes a transformation from a theory of building blocks into a theory of structures.
How Mathematical ‘Hocus-Pocus’ Saved Particle Physics|Charlie Wood|September 17, 2020|Quanta Magazine
To reflect this wave of transformation, we decided that we needed to embrace change in this year’s 40 Under 40.
Introducing Fortune’s all-new 40 Under 40 list—and how it’s different this year|Rachel Schallom|September 2, 2020|Fortune
Gibson says that what we’re witnessing in Carrds and Linktree alike is the transformation of social media from a personality-focused to an anti-influencer mentality.
The internet of protest is being built on single-page websites|Tanya Basu|August 27, 2020|MIT Technology Review
Hegde has had an interesting transformation over the course of his career.
Why an Amazon and Airbnb vet joined a digital health company that wants to slash drug prices|Sy Mukherjee|August 24, 2020|Fortune

However, the situation the world now faces requires cross-sector, future-focused innovation and provides opportunities to make transformation happen much more quickly.
COVID-19 has spurred rapid transformation in health care. Let’s make sure it stays that way|jakemeth|August 20, 2020|Fortune
We see detoxing as a path to transcendence, a symbol of modern urban virtue and self-transformation through abstinence.
How Taryn Toomey’s ‘The Class’ Became New York’s Latest Fitness Craze|Lizzie Crocker|January 9, 2015|DAILY BEAST
And much of the credit to her transformation is owed to a finishing school that caters to women just like her.
Inside A Finishing School for Transwomen|Sharon Adarlo|December 27, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The Transformation Journey How did this transformation happen?
The Science of Ingredient Innovation||December 15, 2014|DAILY BEAST
It is a transformation that is undetectable to anyone not paying close attention.
Cornel West’s Disappointing Decline|David Masciotra|October 23, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Thirteen years after 9/11, the World Trade Center is undergoing a massive transformation.
The Daily Beast’s Best Longreads, Sept 8-14|John Boot|September 14, 2014|DAILY BEAST
It is clear enough on the one hand that we can expect no sudden and complete transformation of the world in which we live.
The Unsolved Riddle of Social Justice|Stephen Leacock
Nor is humanity itself fitted for the kind of transformation which fills the dreams of the perfectionist.
The Unsolved Riddle of Social Justice|Stephen Leacock
Nor do I think that we are to see the influence of romance, rather than of custom, in this transformation.
The Three Days' Tournament|Jessie L. Weston
Little more than a year later the transformation which the old Valmet place had undergone was the talk and wonder of Cote Joyeuse.
The Awakening and Selected Short Stories|Kate Chopin
The legend of the Seven Sleepers of Ephesus strikingly illustrates the wondrous transformation of society.
The Catacombs of Rome|William Henry Withrow

British Dictionary definitions for transformation

transformation

/ (ˌtrænsfəˈmeɪʃən) /

noun

a change or alteration, esp a radical one

the act of transforming or the state of being transformed

maths

a change in position or direction of the reference axes in a coordinate system without an alteration in their relative angle
an equivalent change in an expression or equation resulting from the substitution of one set of variables by another

physics a change in an atomic nucleus to a different nuclide as the result of the emission of either an alpha-particle or a beta-particleCompare transition (def. 5)

linguistics another word for transformational rule

an apparently miraculous change in the appearance of a stage set

(in South Africa) a national strategy aimed at attaining national unity, promoting reconciliation through negotiated settlement and non-racism

Derived forms of transformation

transformational, adjective

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Medical definitions for transformation

transformation

[ trăns′fər-mā′shən ]

metamorphosis

The genetic alteration of a bacterial cell by introduction of DNA from another cell or from a virus.

Scientific definitions for transformation

transformation

[ trăns′fər-mā′shən ]

The genetic alteration of a bacteria cell by the introduction of DNA from another cell or from a virus. Plasmids, which contain extrachromosomal DNA, are used to transform bacteria in recombinant DNA research.

The change undergone by an animal cell upon infection by a cancer-causing virus.

transformation

Origin of transformation

OTHER WORDS FROM transformation

Words nearby transformation

Words related to transformation

How to use transformation in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for transformation

Derived forms of transformation

Medical definitions for transformation

Scientific definitions for transformation