TRANSMUTA'TION, noun [Latin transmutatio.]

1. The change of any thing into another substance, or into something of a different nature. For a long time, the transmutation of base metals into gold was deemed practicable, but nature proved refractory, and the alchimists were frustrated.

2. In chimistry, the transmutation of one substance into another is very easy and common, as of water into gas or vapor, and of gases into water.

3. In geometry, 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.

4. The change of colors, as in the case of a decoction of the nephritic wood.

5. In the vegetable economy, the change of a plant into another form; as of wheat into chess, according to the popular opinion. [See Chess.]