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

Pfaff explained that the bank’s transformation revolved around standardizing processes and ensuring data integrity. —Judith Magyar, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024

Another company that also experienced a transformation and has delivered massive gains is Netflix, which went from renting out DVDs by mail to becoming a streaming and original content powerhouse that has upended Hollywood. —Jason Ma, Fortune, 1 Dec. 2024

Institutions have long believed in the optical representation of diversity over structural transformation toward equity. —Ellen Y. Tani, Artforum, 1 Dec. 2024

The prospect of transformation burns within as the Sagittarius moon coordinates with Mars. —USA TODAY, 30 Nov. 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