transmutation

Definitions

1. 1.(Geom.) 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.]
2. 2.(Biol.) 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 edition (public domain, via GCIDE / Project Gutenberg).

Related questions

• What does "transmutation" mean?

Reverse-dictionary questions

Definition-first questions whose answer is transmutation.

• What is 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.] called?