transmute

[trans-myoot, tranz-]

verb (used with or without object)

transmuted, transmuting 

1. to change from one nature, substance, form, or condition into another; transform.

   Synonyms: alter, convert, metamorphose

transmute

/ trænzˈmjuːt /

verb

1. to change the form, character, or substance of

2. to alter (an element, metal, etc) by alchemy

Other Word Forms

• transmutable adjective
• transmuter noun
• transmutably adverb
• transmutability noun
• transmutableness noun
• untransmutability noun
• untransmutable adjective
• untransmutableness noun
• untransmutably adverb
• untransmuted adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of transmute¹

1400–50; late Middle English < Latin trānsmūtāre to shift, equivalent to trāns- trans- + mūtāre to change.

Word History and Origins

Origin of transmute¹

C15: via Old French from Latin transmūtāre to shift, from _trans- + mūtāre to change

Example Sentences

Yet Boggs makes a strong case for these books as successful formal experiments in which Baldwin once again transmuted the storms of his personal life into eloquent indictments of systemic racism.

From Los Angeles Times

It was necessary for these insurrectionists to embrace faith on their own terms, transmuting their internal theological dialogues into popular art.

From Los Angeles Times

The event will feature a Tibetan Buddhist meditation practice for transmuting suffering, she says, during which participants visualize the suffering, breathing it in, then breathe out compassion and healing.

From Los Angeles Times

We are running on the energy of farmers’ labor and transmuting it into fetish object, and it feels almost beautiful on set in Los Angeles.

From Los Angeles Times

“For me, art is the most direct way of transmuting all types of metaphysical spaces into the default world. It resonates with people by giving them a reflection of those shared places, states, mysteries.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• metamorphose 
• mutate