Transmutation \Trans`mu*ta"tion\, n. [F. transmutation, L.
transmutatio. See Transmute.]
1. The act of transmuting, or the state of being transmuted;
as, the transmutation of metals.
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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.]
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3. (Biol.) The change of one species into another, which is
assumed to take place in any development theory of life;
transformism. --Bacon.
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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.
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Source: The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
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