transformation

noun trans·for·ma·tion \ ˌtran(t)s-fər-ˈmā-shən , -fȯr- \

|Updated on: 8 Jun 2018

Examples: transformation in a Sentence

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

3 a (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 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

See transformation defined for English-language learners

See transformation defined for kids

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 of transformation from the Web

The transformation of CajaSur is testament to the slow-motion banking recovery in much of the eurozone, even though Italy’s latest markets turmoil shows the strength of Europe’s financial system remains open to question.

— max colchester, WSJ, "How to Fix a Holy Banking Mess in Spain? Boot the Priests, Bring in the Bankers," 3 June 2018
For Bayer, acquiring Monsanto is the last step in a corporate transformation as the 154-year-old company shed its plastics business and remade itself as a life-science company with equally-sized health and agriculture units.

— Fortune, "Bayer Wins U.S. Antitrust Approval for Its $66 Billion Takeover of Monsanto," 29 May 2018
Until now, passenger cars have taken center stage in the transformation from driven-to-driverless.

— chuck tannert, Ars Technica, "Autonomous trucks will haul your stuff before you ride in a self-driving car," 29 May 2018
For instance, what would the transformation from human to werewolf be like for a teenager?

— katherine jones, idahostatesman, "'Being willing to be open': Boise High senior finds herself through power of words | Idaho Statesman," 26 May 2018
In his authentic, in-the-moment turn, Stewart transitions from gentlemanly reserve to protective rage — a subtly harrowing transformation.

— f. kathleen foley, latimes.com, "In Atwater, a dark secret at the center of 'Forever Bound'," 25 May 2018
The last four years of Pulisic’s life are a study in constant transformation.

— grant wahl, SI.com, "Masters of Modern Soccer: Christian Pulisic and the Craft of the Attacking Midfielder," 1 May 2018
The cultural and moral transformation has been so huge and so swift most people expressed views back then that most would find deeply troubling today.

— andrew sullivan, Daily Intelligencer, "Will There Always Be an England?," 27 Apr. 2018
That's gonna be a flash of light to the face in what is already a natural wonder, so prepare your body and soul for a transformation.

— kat bein, Billboard, "DJ Snake, Virtual Self & More to Headline HARD Red Rocks 2018," 9 Apr. 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.