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

Gone is all documentation of her iconic pranks, her beauty transformations, and, perhaps most devastating of all, her photos with Liam Hemsworth. — refinery29.com, "Why Did Miley Cyrus Delete Her Instagram Posts? Fans Have A Few Theories," 14 July 2018 Kaufman describes 2011 and 2012 as a pivotal moment in Wisconsin’s political transformation, when widespread protests culminated in a recall election against Walker — which the governor survived. — Jennifer Szalai, New York Times, "How Conservatives Bet Big on Wisconsin and Won," 11 July 2018 Within a matter of days, the new female will also begin to undergo some pretty stark physical transformations, growing rapidly in size as her testes recede back into her body. — Katherine J. Wu, Smithsonian, "Alternatives to Heterosexual Pairings, Brought to You By Non-Human Animals," 28 June 2018 The elections for both president and parliament complete Turkey’s transformation from a parliamentary to presidential system of government that grants sweeping powers to the president, who previously was a figurehead. — Kristen Mctighe, USA TODAY, "Turkey's President Erdogan claims re-election victory, but opposition cries foul," 24 June 2018 And yet, for all of the new president’s radical transformation of the nation, he’s done little to alter the character of his predecessor, or reshape Obama’s vision of the world. — Gabriel Debenedetti, Daily Intelligencer, "Where Is Barack Obama?," 24 June 2018 The whole unspoken storyline to the album is about transition, transformation, and evolution. — Nerisha Penrose, Billboard, "How Ne-Yo's Wife & His Journey of Self-Reflection Helped Him Create 'Good Man' Album," 20 June 2018 But then, Loibl also began a physical transformation: Lasik eye surgery, wisdom teeth removal, hair plugs and a vegan diet, which caused him to lose about 50 pounds. — Jeff Weiner, OrlandoSentinel.com, "CHRISTINA GRIMMIE: THE MURDER OF A RISING STAR," 19 June 2018 Getty Images 2018: So Fresh, So Clean After a few years of largely staying away from major transformation, the change-up of 2018 is especially exciting. — Cady Drell, Marie Claire, "Christina Aguilera Is the Low-Key Queen of Transformations," 15 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.