transmute

[trans-myoot, tranz-]

verb (used with or without object)

transmuted, transmuting 

1. to change from one nature, substance, form, or condition into another; transform.

   Synonyms: alter, convert, metamorphose

transmute

/ trænzˈmjuːt /

verb

1. to change the form, character, or substance of

2. to alter (an element, metal, etc) by alchemy

Other Word Forms

• transmutable adjective
• transmutability noun
• transmutableness noun
• transmutably adverb
• transmuter noun
• untransmutability noun
• untransmutable adjective
• untransmutableness noun
• untransmutably adverb
• untransmuted adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of transmute¹

1400–50; late Middle English < Latin trānsmūtāre to shift, equivalent to trāns- trans- + mūtāre to change.

Word History and Origins

Origin of transmute¹

C15: via Old French from Latin transmūtāre to shift, from _trans- + mūtāre to change

Example Sentences

In Heaney’s poetry the personal is always transmuted by a larger vision.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

"What causes something to be insulating, conducting or magnetic? Can we transmute something into a different state?"

Read more on Science Daily

According to Israel's Basic Law, the president "has the power to pardon criminals and reduce or transmute their sentence".

Read more on BBC

Her feelings of kinship with precipitation are transmuted into a delightfully conceived scene in which little versions of Amélie appear inside every falling raindrop.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

This event has been transmuted into “The Gold,” an involving British drama premiering here Sunday on PBS.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• metamorphose 
• mutate