transformation

noun

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

-fȯr-

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 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

• changeover
• conversion
• metamorphosis
• transfiguration

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 French Revolution and its unsettled aftermath—a world-shaking era in many respects—made Vesuvius into an emblem of cataclysmic transformation. —Jeffrey Collins, WSJ, 24 Nov. 2023

Beginning with orange, red, and yellow hues as a nod to harvest season, the team also chose to integrate water caltrops and persimmons as symbols of abundance and transformation. —Liam Hess, Vogue, 23 Nov. 2023

Baig explains that at the core of Sort Of is the idea of empathy and collective transformation. —Alexandra Koster, refinery29.com, 23 Nov. 2023

Our writer found a deep sense of awe and appreciation – even transformation – in her connection with others. —Samantha Laine Perfas, The Christian Science Monitor, 21 Nov. 2023

After two years of transformation and a particularly trying summer, Teni seems settled in her power and freedom. —Mankaprr Conteh, Rolling Stone, 21 Nov. 2023

But the high-rise conversions are just part of a wave of modifications in the area that started decades ago with the transformation of low-rise buildings and continues today with enormous glass and steel towers. —Matthew Haag, New York Times, 17 Nov. 2023

That boost, however, comes at a cost, since the transformation of the famous strip has caused much disruption in the past year. —Ashlyn Messier, Fox News, 16 Nov. 2023

Frost’s lucky timing capitalized on this landscape transformation to launch his career. —Robert Thorson, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 Nov. 2023

See More

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing transformation

• self-transformation
• topological transformation
• linear transformation

• self-transformation
• topological transformation
• linear transformation

Kids Definition

transformation

noun

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

-fȯr-

: an act, process, or example of transforming or being transformed

transformational

-shnəl

-shən-ᵊl

adjective

Medical Definition

transformation

noun

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

1

: an act, process, or instance of transforming or being transformed see malignant transformation

2

a

: genetic modification of a bacterium by incorporation of free DNA from another ruptured bacterial cell compare transduction sense 2

b

: genetic modification of a cell by the uptake and incorporation of exogenous DNA