transformation

noun

trans·​for·​ma·​tion ˌtran(t)s-fər-ˈmā-shən How to pronounce transformation (audio)
-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
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Powerful in-memory processing solutions like Apache Spark are critical to support the data preparation, data transformation and featurization processes that make enterprise data fit for use by AI applications. John Ottman, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024 The film will delve into Schwartz’s transformation, capturing the emotional depth of his experiences and the evolution of his relationship with his father. Matt Grobar, Deadline, 20 Nov. 2024 This same darkness plays a key role in her parents’ transformation and is a vital component in the story’s overarching theme. Sara Belcher, People.com, 20 Nov. 2024 The scene encapsulates the film’s themes of identity, transformation, and the price of redemption. Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for transformation 

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of transformation was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near transformation

Cite this Entry

“Transformation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/transformation. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

transformation

noun
trans·​for·​ma·​tion ˌtran(t)s-fər-ˈmā-shən How to pronounce transformation (audio)
-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- How to pronounce transformation (audio)
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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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