transmute

Everyday

1. (formal) To transmute means to change something completely into something different, in form or nature: "The caterpillar is transmuted into a butterfly." tree →
2. (history, science) In alchemy, to transmute meant to turn one metal into another, especially lead into gold; in modern science, nuclear reactions can really change one element into another (transmutation). tree →

In the lessons

In history and science lessons alchemists in the Middle Ages tried to transmute base metals into gold, and their experiments helped start chemistry. In physics, radioactive decay transmutes elements. In stories and formal writing, feelings or situations "are transmuted". Phrases: "transmute into", "transmute lead into gold".

Examples

• Alchemists tried to transmute lead into gold. tree →
• Radioactive uranium slowly transmutes into lead. tree →
• The artist transmuted her sadness into a beautiful song. tree →
• In the myth, the king's touch transmuted everything to gold. tree →
• Scientists can transmute one element into another in a nuclear reactor. tree →
• Hard work transmuted the empty field into a garden. tree →
• The witch transmuted the frog into a prince. tree →

Note

Formal word; simpler: transform, change. Regular verb: transmuted. Noun: transmutation. Ordinary chemical reactions do not transmute elements; only nuclear reactions do.

In Jewish tradition

Interpretation: The Sefer Yetzirah says God formed, weighed and changed the twenty-two letters to make every living being. In the primary lessons: In history and science lessons alchemists in the Middle Ages tried to transmute base metals into gold, and their experiments helped start chemistry. In physics, radioactive decay transmutes elements. In stories and formal writing, feelings or situations "are transmuted". Phrases: "transmute into", "transmute lead into gold".

Examples

• He hath formed, weighed, transmuted, composed, and created with these twenty-two letters every living being, and every soul yet uncreated. (Sefer Yetzirah, Westcott 1887) tree →

Note

Formal word; simpler: transform, change. Regular verb: transmuted. Noun: transmutation. Ordinary chemical reactions do not transmute elements; only nuclear reactions do.