Emily Dickinson Lexicon
Definition for TRANS-MU-TA'TION
TRANS-MU-TA-BLYTRANS-MU-TA'TION-IST
TRANS-MU-TA'TION, n. [L. transmutatio.]
- 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.
- 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.
- 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. Cyc.
- The change of colors, as in the case of a decoction of the nephritic wood. Cyc.
- In the vegetable economy, the change of a plant into another form; as of wheat into chess, according to the popular opinion. [See Chess.]
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