transformation

[ trans-fer-mey-shuhn ]

noun

1. the act or process of transforming.
2. the state of being transformed.
3. change in form, appearance, nature, or character.
4. Theater. a seemingly miraculous change in the appearance of scenery or actors in view of the audience.
5. Logic. Also called transform. one of a set of algebraic formulas used to express the relations between elements, sets, etc., that form parts of a given system.
6. Mathematics.
   1. the act, process, or result of transforming or mapping.
   2. function ( def 4a ).
7. Linguistics.
   1. transformational rule.
   2. the process by which deep structures are converted into surface structures using transformational rules.
8. Genetics. the transfer of genetic material from one cell to another resulting in a genetic change in the recipient cell.
9. a wig or hairpiece for a woman.

transformation

/ ˌtrænsfəˈmeɪʃən /

noun

1. a change or alteration, esp a radical one
2. the act of transforming or the state of being transformed
3. maths
   1. a change in position or direction of the reference axes in a coordinate system without an alteration in their relative angle
   2. an equivalent change in an expression or equation resulting from the substitution of one set of variables by another
4. See transition
   physics a change in an atomic nucleus to a different nuclide as the result of the emission of either an alpha-particle or a beta-particle Compare transition
5. See transformational rule
   linguistics another word for transformational rule
6. an apparently miraculous change in the appearance of a stage set
7. (in South Africa) a national strategy aimed at attaining national unity, promoting reconciliation through negotiated settlement and non-racism

transformation

/ trăns′fər-mā′shən /

1. The genetic alteration of a bacteria cell by the introduction of DNA from another cell or from a virus. Plasmids , which contain extrachromosomal DNA, are used to transform bacteria in recombinant DNA research.
2. The change undergone by an animal cell upon infection by a cancer-causing virus.

Derived Forms

• ˌtransforˈmational, adjective

Other Words From

• transfor·mation·al adjective
• nontrans·for·mation noun
• retrans·for·mation noun
• self-transfor·mation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of transformation¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Late Latin trānsfōrmātiōn-, stem of trānsfōrmātiō “change of shape”; equivalent to trans- + formation

Example Sentences

Wilson’s renormalization group describes a transformation from a theory of building blocks into a theory of structures.

From Quanta Magazine

To reflect this wave of transformation, we decided that we needed to embrace change in this year’s 40 Under 40.

From Fortune

Gibson says that what we’re witnessing in Carrds and Linktree alike is the transformation of social media from a personality-focused to an anti-influencer mentality.

From MIT Technology Review

Hegde has had an interesting transformation over the course of his career.

From Fortune

However, the situation the world now faces requires cross-sector, future-focused innovation and provides opportunities to make transformation happen much more quickly.

From Fortune

We see detoxing as a path to transcendence, a symbol of modern urban virtue and self-transformation through abstinence.

From The Daily Beast

And much of the credit to her transformation is owed to a finishing school that caters to women just like her.

From The Daily Beast

The Transformation Journey How did this transformation happen?

From The Daily Beast

It is a transformation that is undetectable to anyone not paying close attention.

From The Daily Beast

Thirteen years after 9/11, the World Trade Center is undergoing a massive transformation.

From The Daily Beast

It is clear enough on the one hand that we can expect no sudden and complete transformation of the world in which we live.

From Project Gutenberg

Nor is humanity itself fitted for the kind of transformation which fills the dreams of the perfectionist.

From Project Gutenberg

Nor do I think that we are to see the influence of romance, rather than of custom, in this transformation.

From Project Gutenberg

Little more than a year later the transformation which the old Valmet place had undergone was the talk and wonder of Cote Joyeuse.

From Project Gutenberg

The legend of the Seven Sleepers of Ephesus strikingly illustrates the wondrous transformation of society.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• conversion
• metamorphosis
• renewal
• revolution
• shift