— transformable , adj. — transformative , adj.
v. /trans fawrm"/ ; n. /trans"fawrm/ , v.t.
1. to change in form, appearance, or structure; metamorphose.
2. to change in condition, nature, or character; convert.
3. to change into another substance; transmute.
4. Elect.
a. to increase or decrease (the voltage and current characteristics of an alternating-current circuit), as by means of a transformer.
b. to decrease (the voltage and current characteristics of a direct-current circuit), as by means of a transformer.
5. Math. to change the form of (a figure, expression, etc.) without in general changing the value.
6. Physics. to change into another form of energy.
v.i.
7. to undergo a change in form, appearance, or character; become transformed.
n.
8. Math.
a. a mathematical quantity obtained from a given quantity by an algebraic, geometric, or functional transformation.
b. the transformation itself.
9. the result of a transformation.
10. a transformation.
11. Logic. transformation (def. 5).
12. Ling. a structure derived by a transformation.
[ 1300-50; ME transformen transformare to change in shape. See TRANS-, FORM ]
Syn. 1. transfigure. TRANSFORM, CONVERT mean to change one thing into another. TRANSFORM suggests changing from one form, appearance, structure, or type to another: to transform soybeans into oil and meal by pressure. CONVERT suggests so changing the characteristics as to change the use or purpose: to convert a barn into a house.