Word Study
transmute
CIDE DICTIONARY
transmute, v. t. [L. transmutare, transmutatum; trans across + mutare to change. See Mutable, and cf. Transmew.].
To change from one nature, form, or substance, into another; to transform. [1913 Webster]
"The caresses of parents and the blandishments of friends transmute us into idols." [1913 Webster]
"Transmuting sorrow into golden joy
Free from alloy." [1913 Webster]
Free from alloy." [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
transmute, v.tr.
1 change the form, nature, or substance of.
2 Alchemy hist. subject (base metals) to transmutation.
1 change the form, nature, or substance of.
2 Alchemy hist. subject (base metals) to transmutation.
Derivative
transmutable adj. transmutability n. transmutative adj. transmuter n.
Etymology
ME f. L transmutare (as TRANS-, mutare change)
ROGET THESAURUS
transmute
Change
VB change, alter, vary, wax and wane, modulate, diversify, qualify, tamper with, turn, shift, veer, tack, chop, shuffle, swerve, warp, deviate, turn aside, evert, intervert, pass to, take a turn, turn the corner, resume, work a change, modify, vamp, superinduce, transform, transfigure, transmute, transmogrify, transume, metamorphose, ring the changes, innovate, introduce new blood, shuffle the cards, give a turn to, give a color to, influence, turn the scale, shift the scene, turn over a new leaf, recast, reverse, disturb, convert into.For further exploring for "transmute" in Webster Dictionary Online