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

Yellowstone’s ecological transformation through the reintroduction of wolves has become a case study for how to correct out-of-balance ecosystems. —Jim Robbins, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2024

Just as the Metroplex has seen a transformation over the course of 30 to 40 years; Richland Hills is on the verge of its transformation as well. —Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Apr. 2024

The plan under discussion now between Apollo and Sony would mark a significant transformation for Sony Corp., which has had a Hollywood presence for nearly 35 years after buying what was then Columbia Pictures in 1990 for $3.5 billion. —Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 19 Apr. 2024

Opened in 1977, Westfield UTC has undergone a nearly $1 billion transformation since 2012, when an initial redevelopment phase added new building facades, a fancier food court and an upscale movie theater. —Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Apr. 2024

Despite the harsh Shetland Islands landscape and the punishing realities of an 1840s Scotland undergoing transformation, gentleness – and even joy – seep through the murk of this evocative tale. —Staff, The Christian Science Monitor, 18 Apr. 2024

Koehl, who will lead IT transformation initiatives, was previously chief technology officer at Metronet. - Leidos has named Alexandra Guenther as CIO after more than 11 years in various leadership positions at the IT and engineering services company. —John Kell, Fortune, 17 Apr. 2024

Halfway up the Met stairs, the actress underwent a transformation, during which the skirt of her gown unfurled to reveal a turquoise side. —Catherine Santino, Peoplemag, 16 Apr. 2024

The rapper—who is no stranger to a bold fashion moment—was also intrigued by the idea of having a surreal transformation on stage. —Christian Allaire, Vogue, 15 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing transformation

• linear transformation
• self-transformation
• topological 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