1 transformation | Definition of transformation

transformation

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

Definition of transformation

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
3a(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

Keep scrolling for more

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

The clam die-off was an alarming marker of a new climate era, an early sign of this coastline’s transformation. Chris Mooney, Anchorage Daily News, "Large parts of the globe have already passed a crucial climate threshold," 11 Sep. 2019 The airline isn't abandoning its a la carte model or trying to become the next Delta but is in the midst of a transformation to change travelers' perceptions of the carrier. Dawn Gilbertson, USA TODAY, "Stingy Spirit Airlines adding comfier seats, even in the middle," 9 Sep. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'transformation.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

See More

First Known Use of transformation

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Keep scrolling for more

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for transformation

transformation

noun

English Language Learners Definition of transformation

: a complete or major change in someone's or something's appearance, form, etc.

transformation

noun
trans·​for·​ma·​tion | \ ˌtrans-fər-ˈmā-shən How to pronounce transformation (audio) \

Kids Definition of transformation

: the act or process of changing completely : a complete change

transformation

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

Medical Definition of transformation

1 : an act, process, or instance of transforming or being transformed — see malignant transformation
2a : 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

Keep scrolling for more

×

You're never
too cool to learn something new.

Sign up for our Word of the Day
daily newsletter!