English Dictionary
Definition of “transmute”
transmute (trænzˈmjuːt
)
Definitions
verb (tr)
- to change the form, character, or substance of
- to alter (an element, metal, etc) by alchemy
Alternative Forms
transˌmutaˈbility noun transˈmutable adjective transˈmutably adverb transˈmuter noun Word Origin
C15: via Old French from Latin transmūtāre to shift, from trans- + mūtāre to change
Usage examples
They knew who they were up against, they'd heard the stories, and the silence of the night would soon transmute into fear.
Mark Mills, AMAGANSETT (2004)If it encounters a neutron with one of these energies, it is more likely to transmute.
New Scientist (1999)The complex processes that enable invisible viruses to transmute were also responsible for our steady evolution from simpler forms of life.
SA Star (2005)Precisely why and how the solitary form can transmute into the gregarious form is still a matter of some dispute among many entomologists.
Belfast Telegraph (2004)Corporations can transmute dividends into capital gains by shifting their dividend policies.
Charles A. D'Ambrosio & Stewart D. Hodges & Richard Brealey & Stewart Myers, Principles of Corporate Finance (1991)
