transformation

noun

trans·for·ma·tion | \ ˌtran(t)s-fər-ˈmā-shən

, -fȯr-\

Definition of transformation

1 : an act, process, or instance of transforming or being transformed

2 : false hair worn especially by a woman to replace or supplement natural hair

3a(1) : the operation of changing (as by rotation or mapping) one configuration or expression into another in accordance with a mathematical rule especially : a change of variables or coordinates in which a function of new variables or coordinates is substituted for each original variable or coordinate

(2) : the formula that effects a transformation

b : function sense 5a

c : an operation that converts (as by insertion, deletion, or permutation) one grammatical string (such as a sentence) into another also : a formal statement of such an operation

4 : genetic modification of a bacterium by incorporation of free DNA from another bacterial cell also : genetic modification of a cell by the uptake and incorporation of exogenous DNA

Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More about transformation

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Examples of transformation in a Sentence

The building underwent various transformations over the years. a raven-haired starlet who underwent an attention-getting transformation and showed up at the awards ceremony as a blonde

Recent Examples on the Web

The Game of Thrones actress stars in the latest X-Men movie Dark Phoenix as Jean Grey, a mutant who goes through an intense transformation making her powers stronger. — Ale Russian, PEOPLE.com, "Sophie Turner Really Cried During Emotional Dark Phoenix Scene Because Her Juul Was Taken Away," 5 June 2019 The leader of the country that was the enemy in 1944 , German Chancellor Angela Merkel, also attended— a symbol of Europe’s postwar reconciliation and transformation. — Danica Kirka, Time, "President Trump Joins World Leaders to Honor Veterans on D-Day Anniversary," 5 June 2019 The leader of the country that was the enemy in 1944 , German Chancellor Angela Merkel, also attended— a symbol of Europe's postwar reconciliation and transformation. — Danica Kirka, Anchorage Daily News, "World leaders honor veterans in commemoration of D-Day 75th anniversary," 5 June 2019 The play’s popularity is in part because of all the riotous confusion caused by fairies, love potions, aspiring actors, transformations into beasts, and aphrodisiac-crazed young lovers chasing each other in all the wrong combinations. — Sam Hurwitt, The Mercury News, "It’s the summer of ‘Midsummer Night’s Dream’ in SF Bay Area," 4 June 2019 Gaga has gone through so many transformations in her career that the options are endless. — Kara Nesvig, Teen Vogue, "Lady Gaga Has A New Fashion Exhibit in Las Vegas," 30 May 2019 Several fellow reality show stars took to the comments to compliment Joe's transformation. — Jennifer Aldrich, Country Living, "'Survivor' Star Joe Anglim Is Unrecognizable After Chopping Off His Hair," 27 May 2019 Shades of ashy brunette were already flooding Instagram, but Beyoncé’s recent transformation from her usual blonde hair to a darker brown solidified its place on the hot list. — Nykia Spradley, Allure, "Ash Brunette Is Hottest Hair-Color Trend of the Summer," 22 May 2019 My work is a balance of preservation and transformation. — Vogue, "19 FIT, Pratt, and Parsons 2019 Graduates on Their Collections and the Future of Fashion," 22 May 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'transformation.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.