Transmutation
Pronunciation : Trans`mu*ta"tion
Part of Speech : n.
Etymology : [F. transmutation, L. transmutatio. See Transmute.]
Definition : 1. The act of transmuting, or the state of being transmuted; as, the transmutation of metals.
2. (Geom.)
Defn: The change or reduction of one figure or body into another of the same area or solidity, but of a different form, as of a triangle into a square. [R.]
3. (Biol.)
Defn: The change of one species into another, which is assumed to take place in any development theory of life; transformism. Bacon. Transmutation of metals (Alchem.), the conversion of base metals into gold or silver, a process often attempted by the alchemists. See Alchemy, and Philosopher's stone, under Philosopher.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913