transmute Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. verb change in outward structure or looks
    transform; metamorphose.
    • He transformed into a monster
    • The salesman metamorphosed into an ugly beetle
  2. verb change or alter in form, appearance, or nature
    transform; transubstantiate.
    • This experience transformed her completely
    • She transformed the clay into a beautiful sculpture
    • transubstantiate one element into another
  3. verb alter the nature of (elements)

WordNet

Trans*mute" transitive verb
Etymology
L. transmutare, transmutatum; trans across + mutare to change. See Mutable, and cf. Transmew.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Transmuted; present participle & verbal noun Transmuting
Definitions
  1. To change from one nature, form, or substance, into another; to transform.
    The caresses of parents and the blandishments of friends transmute us into idols. Buckminster.
    Transmuting sorrow into golden joy Free from alloy. H. Smith.

Webster 1913