transformism

American  

[trans-fawr-miz-uhm] / trænsˈfɔr mɪz əm /

noun

Biology.

1. the doctrine of gradual transformation of one species into another by descent with modification through many generations.

2. such transformation itself.

3. any doctrine or instance of evolution.

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transformism British  

/ trænsˈfɔːmɪzəm /

noun

1. a less common word for evolution, used esp to refer to the theory of evolution

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Other Word Forms

• transformist
  noun

Etymology

Origin of transformism

1875–80; transform + -ism, modeled on French transformisme

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

transformism

Let us admit, however, that transformism may be wrong.

From Creative Evolution by Arthur Mitchell

It does not enter into our plan to set down here the proofs of transformism.

From Creative Evolution by Arthur Mitchell

Mr. Darwin did not originate the idea of genetic transformism, which is almost necessarily suggested by the systematic development of life-forms to which Geology bears witness.

From The Old Riddle and the Newest Answer by John S.J. Gerard

Will it not, therefore, be better to stick to the letter of transformism as almost all scientists profess it?

From Creative Evolution by Arthur Mitchell

Enough, quite enough of that, without having transformism next to break down the sacred law of work.

From The Mason-Bees by Alexander Teixeira de Mattos