transmutation: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
lowformal, technical
Quick answer
What does “transmutation” mean?
The act or process of changing something into a different form, substance, or state, especially in alchemy or nuclear physics.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The act or process of changing something into a different form, substance, or state, especially in alchemy or nuclear physics.
In broader contexts, it refers to any profound transformation or metamorphosis, such as in biology, literature, or personal development.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or spelling; both use 'transmutation'.
Connotations
Similar, with associations to alchemy and science in both variants.
Frequency
Slightly more common in British academic texts due to historical context, but comparable in American English.
Grammar
How to Use “transmutation” in a Sentence
transmutation of [substance] into [new substance]transmutation through [process]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “transmutation” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The alchemists sought to transmute lead into gold.
- Medieval texts describe how to transmute base metals.
American English
- Scientists can transmute elements in nuclear reactors.
- The process aims to transmute waste into energy.
adverb
British English
- The substance was transmutatively altered by the reaction.
- He described the change transmutatively in his notes.
American English
- The energy was transmutatively converted in the system.
- The material behaved transmutatively under pressure.
adjective
British English
- The transmutative process was documented in medieval texts.
- His work had a transmutational effect on the field.
American English
- Transmutational changes occur in particle accelerators.
- The experiment showed transmutative properties.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used; may appear in metaphorical contexts about change management.
Academic
Common in history of science, physics, and literature studies.
Everyday
Very rare; mostly in educated discourse.
Technical
Frequent in nuclear physics and alchemical texts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “transmutation”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “transmutation”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “transmutation”
- Misspelling as 'transmutation' (double 't') – correct is 'transmutation'.
- Using it to mean minor change instead of fundamental transformation.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is primarily used in formal or technical contexts such as science and history.
'Transmutation' often implies a more profound or complete change, especially involving substance or form, while 'transformation' can be broader and less specific.
The verb form is 'transmute', which means to change or transform something fundamentally.
It is most common in nuclear physics, alchemy, and historical or literary studies.
The act or process of changing something into a different form, substance, or state, especially in alchemy or nuclear physics.
Transmutation is usually formal, technical in register.
Transmutation: in British English it is pronounced /ˌtrænz.mjuːˈteɪ.ʃən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌtrænz.mjuˈteɪ.ʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'trans' meaning 'across' and 'mutation' meaning 'change', so transmutation is changing across forms.
Conceptual Metaphor
Change is alchemical transformation.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary meaning of 'transmutation'?