[F. transmutation, L. transmutatio. See Transmute.]

1. The act of transmuting, or the state of being transmuted; as, the transmutation of metals.

2. (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.]

3. (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.

Webster 1913 Dictionary edited by Patrick J. Cassidy