from
WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006)
transmute
v 1: change in outward structure or looks; "He transformed into
a monster"; "The salesman metamorphosed into an ugly
beetle" [syn: {transform}, {transmute}, {metamorphose}]
2: change or alter in form, appearance, or nature; "This
experience transformed her completely"; "She transformed the
clay into a beautiful sculpture"; "transubstantiate one
element into another" [syn: {transform}, {transmute},
{transubstantiate}]
3: alter the nature of (elements)
from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Transmute \Trans*mute"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Transmuted}; p.
pr. & vb. n. {Transmuting}.] [L. transmutare, transmutatum;
trans across + mutare to change. See {Mutable}, and cf.
{Transmew}.]
To change from one nature, form, or substance, into another;
to transform.
[1913 Webster]
The caresses of parents and the blandishments of
friends transmute us into idols. --Buckminster.
[1913 Webster]
Transmuting sorrow into golden joy
Free from alloy. --H. Smith.
[1913 Webster]