n. 1 a passing or change from one place, state, condition, etc., to another (an age of transition; a transition from plain to hills). 2 Mus. a momentary modulation. 3 Art a change from one style to another, esp. Archit. from Norman to Early English. 4 Physics a change in an atomic nucleus or orbital electron with emission or absorption of radiation. transition element Chem. any of a set of elements in the periodic table characterized by partly filled d or f orbitals and the ability to form coloured complexes. transition point Physics the point at which different phases of the same substance can be in equilibrium. transitional adj. transitionally adv. transitionary adj.
[ F transition or L transitio (as TRANSIT) ]