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

Allegories about transformation, alter egos, and true selves resonate in particular with LGBTQ audiences. — Alex Abad-santos, Vox, "She-Ra and the Princesses of Power honors and challenges the original She-Ra.," 21 Nov. 2018 Their methods are based on the idea that trauma is deeply painful, but that pain can force dramatic, beneficial transformations. — Jim Rendon, Marie Claire, "When Female Veterans Return Home," 29 Oct. 2018 Try it out for some self-care during this month of transformation. — Aliza Kelly Faragher, Allure, "What November's Gemini Horoscope Means for You," 28 Oct. 2018 Grappling with a transformative moment While vague, predicting a year of significant transformation only reflects the climate of uncertainty and possibility that’s settled over the market. — Patrick Sisson, Curbed, "The 10 top emerging trends that will shape real estate in 2019," 10 Oct. 2018 The teaser revealed a brief snippet of the transformation required to take Kim Possible from cartoon hero to IRL hero. — Lauren Rearick, Teen Vogue, "Best Moments From Comic-Con 2018," 22 July 2018 Over the past several years, a narrative of transformation has overtaken the city. — Tamara Warren, The Verge, "Inside Detroit’s crumbling train station that Ford plans to transform into a mobility lab," 20 June 2018 Post Oak Boulevard's beloved flowers and landscaping will be enhanced and the iconic stainless-steel rings and arches will be preserved as part of the boulevard's transformation. — Houston Chronicle, "An Uptown for the 21st Century," 20 June 2018 Part of this transformation was getting into my family's spiritual practices. — Matt Harvey, Chicago Reader, "Hip-Hop / Music / Performing Arts Twenty-year-old poet and rapper Tati wants to help you make your own love potion," 12 June 2018

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.