verb

transmute

tranz-MYOOT/trænzˈmjuːt/

To change into a different form, nature, or substance.

Shaping and firing transmute wet clay into a terracotta bowl.

A clear left-to-right transformation sequence shows a lump of wet clay becoming a shaped clay bowl and then a fired terracotta bowl, visibly changing both form and material condition.

Etymology

The pieces describe changing across from one condition to another. In alchemy, this meant turning a base metal into a more valuable one—a specific example of changing substance.

In context

The Hidden Magic Beyond1:05

a legendary substance said to transmute base metals into gold and grant immortality.

✨ The Secret History of Alchemy: Turning Lead into Gold ✨

More examples

Alchemists hoped to transmute lead into gold.
She transmutes her grief into poetry.
Nuclear reactions can transmute one element into another.

Forms

transmute · transmutes · transmuted · transmuting

transmutation noun — A change in form, nature, or substance.

Similar words

transform: Emphasizes changed form or appearance, not necessarily changed substance.
convert: Often implies a change in function, purpose, or belief.