transmutation

Etymology

Late 14th century, from Old French transmutacion (“transformation, metamorphosis”), from Late Latin transmutationem, from Latin transmutare (“to change”).

noun

1. (obsolete) Change, alteration.
2. The conversion of one thing into something else; transformation.
3. (alchemy) Specifically, the supposed transformation of one element into another, especially of a base metal into gold.
   The transmutation of metals was secondary to the main aim, which was the spiritual transformation of the adept. 1971, Keith Thomas, Religion and the Decline of Magic, Folio Society, published 2012, page 261
4. (nuclear physics) The actual transformation of one element into another by a nuclear reaction.