Main Entry: ¹tran·si·tion

Pronunciation: \tran(t)-ˈsi-shən, tran-ˈzi-, chiefly British tran(t)-ˈsi-zhən\

Function: noun

Etymology: Latin transition-, transitio, from transire

Date: 1551

1 a : passage from one state, stage, subject, or place to another : change b : a movement, development, or evolution from one form, stage, or style to another
2 a : a musical modulation b : a musical passage leading from one section of a piece to another
3 : an abrupt change in energy state or level (as of an atomic nucleus or a molecule) usually accompanied by loss or gain of a single quantum of energy

— tran·si·tion·al \-ˈsish-nəl, -ˈsizh-, -ˈzish-; -ˈsi-shə-n^əl, -ˈzi-, -zhə-\ adjective

— tran·si·tion·al·ly adverb